Police cordon off Linwood Avenue near the Linwood Masjid in Christchurch after 49 people were killed in a terror attack. (Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The United States is prepared to give New Zealand whatever support they need following the terror attacks that left 49 dead at two mosques, United States Ambassador Scott Brown told WBZ NewsRadio.
Speaking on the phone at 1 a.m. Saturday local time, Brown, a former U.S. senator from Massachusetts, said the attack was tragic and unexpected. He said the U.S. stands ready to offer whatever support the island nation needs.
"We've had an incredible relationship for almost 200 years, and the relationship is as strong as it has ever been today," Brown said. "I've been in touch with the ministers, and making sure that whatever they need, they need to just ask."
WBZ NewsRadio's Jeff Brown asked the ambassador if there was anything known about the suspect in the shootings, who reportedly was not on any terror watch lists.
"I understand he is from Australia, he will be arraigned tomorrow," Brown said. "I'm sure we'll hear a lot more, I'm sure they'll do a deep dive into his background, getting on his social media to see if there's anyone else connected. I, like you, and everyone around the world, are trying to figure out how this happened and how red flags were not raised."
Listen: Interview With U.S. Ambassador To New Zealand Scott Brown (@USAmbNZ)