New Zealand: 3 suspects linked to attack in custody

By Gamze Turkoglu Oguz</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Saturday three suspects, including an Australian citizen, linked to a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch during Friday prayers were detained.</p> <p>Speaking at a news conference, Ardern said that none of the suspects have criminal records and were not monitored by intelligence services in New Zealand or elsewhere.</p> <p>Ardern said the Australian attacker would be brought to court Saturday, and that he traveled to various countries and irregularly arrived in New Zealand.</p> <p>The court will be closed to the public during his appearance because of a high security risk, said the national police</p> <p>She stated five weapons, including two semi-automatic, were used during the attack and the attacker received a gun license in 2017.</p> <p>&quot;While work is being done as to the chain of events that lead to both the holding of this gun license and the possession of these weapons, I can tell you one thing right now. Our gun laws will change,&quot; Ardern said.</p> <p>She added border control with Australia will be tightened and information sharing will be improved.</p> <p>The gunman opened fire on worshippers during Friday prayers at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch.</p> <p>Four suspects — three men and one woman — have been detained. One suspected has been reportedly released.</p> <p> </p> <p>*Writing by Beyza Binnur Donmez</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>