This is appalling, wherever in the world it takes place. It’s almost inconceivable that it would happen in New Zealand though.

Armed police have been deployed after shots were fired at a mosque where hundreds of people were praying near Hagley Park in Christchurch.

@Miraz unbelievable what is happening. It sounds as if there are many attacks that have been going on across the city. Just unbelievable.

@herself I feel like crying. It's sad when it's in another country, but here! This isn't the New Zealand I've lived in for 56 years now.

@herself I grew up in Christchurch so it seems very something — real? Personal?

@Miraz @herself I'm so sorry this is happening. It's the first time I've even heard of such a thing happening in New Zealand.

@Miraz It must be heartbreaking for you.

@herself It hits home because I grew up there, but I think pretty much everyone in NZ will be heartbroken right now.

@herself @Miraz @tones they're reporting over here that the shooter(s) are white, and apparently one of them streamed it to facebook. This whole thing is just so saddening, NZ is such a beautiful place with beautiful people.