He confirmed media reports that the gunman who mowed down worshipers in the main mosque in the southern New Zealand city of Christchurch was an Australian-born citizen. He said Australian security authorities were investigating any links between the country and the attack, but declined to provide further details about the Australian gunman.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says at least 49 people died and more than 20 were seriously wounded in the shooting attacks at two mosques in Christchurch on Friday. She added that the attacks were carefully planned and none of the attackers were on security watch list.