CHRISTCHURCH, April 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The man accused of killing 50 people in last month’s attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, has been ordered to undergo mental health tests.
He would be seen by experts to decide if he was fit to stand trial or insane, said high court judge Cameron Mander.
The suspect faces 50 murder charges and 39 attempted murder charges.
Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, appeared in the courtroom – packed with relatives of some of the victims – via video link from prison.
He was not required to enter a plea.
It is the deadliest mass shooting attack New Zealand has ever seen.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called it one of New Zealand’s “darkest days”.
She has vowed to ban all types of semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles.
On Friday morning, Judge Mander ordered that two assessments would be carried out to determine the state of the suspect’s mental health.
The suspect listened intently during the short court hearing. He made no comments.
The suspect was able to see the judge and lawyers and hear the proceedings – but the camera was turned away from the public gallery.
The judge remanded him in custody, and his next court appearance is now due on June 14.
The suspect was arrested on March 15 for his involvement in the shootings at the Al Noor mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre, both located in Christchurch.
The gunman, armed with semi-automatic rifles including an AR-15, is believed to have modified his weapons with high-capacity magazines – the part of the gun which stores ammunition – so they could hold more bullets.
He is currently being kept in isolation at the Auckland Prison in Paremoremo, considered New Zealand’s toughest.
The victims included men, women and children from across the world. The youngest victim was just three years old. — NNN-AGENCIES