Heroes of New Zealand Massacre Risked Their Lives Tackling Shooters, Firing Back

Carly Hoilman : Mar 18, 2019
Faithwire.com

"Halfway through the New Zealand shooting, as dozens around him lay dead, a single unarmed worshipper rushed the shooter, doing whatever he could to make him stop. Some people will publicize the villain. Let's remember the heroes instead." -Journalist Muhammad Lila

[Faithwire.com] Incredible stories of heroism have emerged in the wake of the horrific mosque attacks Friday in Christchurch, New Zealand, where 49 worshippers were killed and dozens more injured. While the motives and identities of the three suspected assailants remain unknown, we can begin the healing process by honoring the brave individuals who demonstrated bold love and immense courage in the face of pure evil. (Screengrab image via Flipboard)

A good guy with a gun

According to local news outlets, at least 30 of those killed Friday were attending the Masjid Al Noor mosque, while at least 10 others were killed at the Linwood Masjid Mosque. The death toll likely would have been much higher had it not been for a brave worshipper with a gun who chased one of the gunmen out of the Linwood mosque.

The New Zealand Herald reported that a "well known Muslim local" man "returned fire with a rifle or shotgun," firing two shots at the attackers as they ran away. When police arrived, the armed hero noted that he fired in "self-defense," describing the suspects and their vehicle to the authorities.

A gun-grabbing hero

During the same attack on Linwood mosque, another worshipper managed to tackle one of the gunmen and seize his weapon before the terrorists finally fled the scene. Witness Syed Mazharuddin told the New Zealand Herald that his friend likely saved countless lives.

"People got feared (sic.) and there was screaming around and I tried to take cover," he said.

Mazharuddin noted that the gunmen entered near where some elderly people were praying and began shooting indiscriminately. Moments later, a young worshipper made an effort to stop the killers in their tracks.

"The young guy who usually takes care of the mosque ... he saw an opportunity and pounced on [the gunman] and took his gun," Mazharuddin said. "The hero tried to chase and he couldn't find the trigger in the gun ... he ran behind him but there were people waiting for him in the car and he fled"... Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Continue reading here.