By Radio New Zealand
The man, 28-year-old Brenton Tarrant, appeared in the Christchurch District Court this morning.
He did not seek name suppression and has been remanded in custody.
Tarrant was handcuffed and appeared calm in court.
His appearance was over in five minutes, with the judge considering media applications from outlets from around the world. Pictures were allowed to be taken of the accussed but Tarrant’s face had to be pixelated.
Police said while he is currently facing only one charge, further charges will be laid.
The case will go to the High Court.
The court was closed to the public during the appearance due to the heightened security risk and media were walked in six at a time.
RNZ court reporter Anneke Smith said the charging document at court alleged the 28-year-old murdered a person whose name is suppressed by the judge.
The judge allowed media to take images but ordered Tarrant’s face to be pixelated to protect his fair trial rights.
A large media presence was at the court.
The police cordoned off a block near the Christchurch district court where the alleged gunman appeared.
A block east of the court has been cordoned off, with a bomb sniffer dog team and the armed offenders’ squad in attendance.
An armoured vehicle has pulled up to take Tarrant away.Follow our live blog for the latest updates.
This article is republished under Kaniva’s content partnership with Radio New Zealand.
