New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described yesterday’s Christchurch shootings as one of their darkest days. Some gunmen open fired at civilians in the Al Noor mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre.
According to CNN, 49 people have lost their lives in this attack and the main suspect has been identified as Brenton Harrison Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian.
"This is one of New Zealand's darkest days" – Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, 15 March 2019. Cartoon by @YeoCartoons: pic.twitter.com/vYS57BDUjO
— Bryce Edwards (@bryce_edwards) March 15, 2019
It truly is heartbreaking to hear of such a hate-fueled attack on innocent people but how much more devastating would it have been for someone to witness it with their own eyes? A 66-year-old woman named Jill Keats who was driving down the road in the area did and here’s her first-person account.
Heartbreaking interview with an eyewitness to New Zealand terror attack who rendered aid shooting victims: "We could hear the ambulances but they couldn't get to us." (BBC) pic.twitter.com/OoFmjlbm2T
— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) March 15, 2019
Initially, Jill thought she heard fireworks but when she saw people falling to the ground she realised what it really was. Even though she admitted to being so scared that her hands were shaking, she stayed and helped a wounded victim. She opened the doors of her car and back to act as shields from the bullets.
“The guy I was compressing, he was trying to ring his wife and I managed to get it and answer the phone and I said ‘Your husband’s been shot outside the mosque. Don’t come here to Deans Ave, you won’t get through – but please got to a hospital and wait for him’.”
There were other people helping out but the ambulances couldn’t reach the spot in time. Jill further reveals how awful it was to see other victims on the street and not being able to do anything for them. Jill denies being a hero and wishes she could have done more.
There isn’t a dry eye in the house after hearing Jill’s emotional retelling of yesterday’s horrific events.
I can't help but cry watching this.
I hope she is okay… What a brave lady. She knew there was a shooting right there, but she stopped and did her best to help. Thank you, ma'am, for your bravery and courage in the face of extreme danger.— Aditya⁷ 🐋 (@monojinjo) March 15, 2019
I just want to hug her. She's a hero. I'm so sorry for her and all who have lost lives, been injured and terrified by this horrific act of ignorance and hate.
— CALL: 202-224-3121 (@sevenbowie) March 15, 2019
When we pray for all of the victims, let us also pray for the survivors, the witnesses, the families and first responders, because they too are victims.
— carte-blanche (@carte_blanchee) March 15, 2019
Seen this video multiple times and it just shakes me to the core….
— Lazysaurus Cookie Cum-Cheeni🌈🏳️🌈 (@olrawnder) March 15, 2019
Please give her a hug from all of us #findinghumanity #NewZealandStrong
— Eugene Lau (@HelloEuge) March 16, 2019
Following the deadly attack, people all over the world have been leaving flowers outside mosques in London, Wales, Vancouver, Seattle and more to show their solidarity to the victims and their families. #LoveOverHate