WELLINGTON: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she told US President Donald Trump to show “sympathy and love” to all Muslim communities.
Ardern said she made the comments when Trump asked what he could do in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attacks, according to The Guardian.
Trump had said that he had spoken to Ardern in a phone call on Friday and said that the United States is prepared to give any assistance following the killing of 49 people at two mosques in New Zealand.
“I informed the Prime Minister that we stand in solidarity with New Zealand and that any assistance the USA can give, we stand by ready to help,” Trump said on Twitter.
In remarks to reporters at the White House, Trump added: “Earlier today I spoke with Prime Minister Ardern of New Zealand to express the sorrow of our entire nation following the terrorist attacks at two mosques. These sacred places of worship were turned into scenes of evil killing.”
The gunman in New Zealand killed 49 people and 42 people were being treated for injuries, police said. Some of the victims were kneeling in prayer, and the gunman broadcast footage of some of the killings online.
Ardern described the incident, the worst mass shooting in New Zealand’s history, as an assault on the country’s values.