Christchurch mosque shootings: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's message to Donald Trump

United State President Donald Trump offered New Zealand support this morning in a phone conversation he had with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

He very much wished for his condolences to be passed on to New Zealand, she said at a press briefing.

She said he had also asked what offer of support the United States could provide.

"My message was: sympathy and love for all Muslim communities."

Asked what Trump's response had been she said: "He acknowledged that and agreed."
"He asked what he could do and I simply conveyed I think the sentiment that exists here in New Zealand.

Trump took to Twitter after his conversation with Ardern.

....that we stand in solidarity with New Zealand – and that any assistance the U.S.A. can give, we stand by ready to help. We love you New Zealand!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019

Trump first tweeted last night.

My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019

Ardern has also spoken to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is receiving messages to New Zealand from around the world.

Ardern said she had received some from other leaders she personally knew.

They included Australian Labor leader Bill Shorten, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and British Prime Minister Theresa May, European Union High Representative Fredrica Mogherini and European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermann.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted his sympathy last night and in another tweet laid the blame at the post 9-11 environment in which "Islam and 1.3 billion Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror by a Muslim."

I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11 where Islam & 1.3 bn Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror by a Muslim. This has been done deliberately to also demonize legitimate Muslim political struggles. https://t.co/5bBREoayLz

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 15, 2019