The knif attack at Countdown at Lynn Mall left seven people injured, five of whom are in hospital. Three of the five hospitalised are in a critical condition, the remaining two are recovering at home.
The terrorist behind the attack is Aathil Samsudeen. He was shot dead at the scene of the attack.
Aathil Samsudeen came to NZ in 2011, escaping a tortuous regime in Sri Lanka
He was granted refugee status in 2013 but within five years had become angry and isolated
He was the perfect candidate to be radicalised in his own living room, through Isis-inspired social media influences
He was caught trying to travel to Syria in 2017 and a raid on his Queen St apartment uncovered a large hunting knife and disturbing, extremist images, videos and songs
Authorities have been trying to have his refugee status revoked and for him to be deported since 2018
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last night expressed her frustration and disappointment over the process
Samsudeen’s family in Sri Lanka have issued a lengthy statement, saying they are heartbroken and want to stand with NZ
The government is now preparing to update New Zealand’s terrorist laws, and rules around deportation.
