White House "strongly condemns" mosque attacks in New Zealand

WASHINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The white House said Friday it "strongly condemns" attacks in news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand, where mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch have left dozens dead.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," white House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

"We stand in solidarity with the people of news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand and their government against this vicious act of hate," she said.

President Donald Trump tweeted earlier that he extends his "warmest sympathy and best wishes" to the people of news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand after "the horrible massacre."

"The U.S. stands by news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand for anything we can do," the president added.

At least 49 people were killed and 48 others were injured in mass shootings at two mosques in the news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand city of Christchurch on Friday.

"This is one of news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand's darkest days," news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said during a televised speech after the shootings, calling the incident a terrorist attack.