New Zealand Gunman Says ‘Subscribe To PewDiePie’ Moments Before Livestreaming Shooting [UPDATED]

At least nine people have been confirmed dead and reportedly as many as 50 have been injured after multiple gunmen opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. One shooter livestreamed the shooting through Facebook, saying “Remember lads, subscribe to Pewdiepie” in the first few minutes of the stream.

One of the gunmen, who shouted out the reference to PewDiePie, is believed to be Australian. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the attack, contained in a press conference below, as an “extreme act of violence” against people who had chosen to make New Zealand their home.

BREAKING: A gunman entered a mosque and began shooting with an automatic weapon in New Zealand's city of Christchurch. For more on the 'active shooter' situation: https://t.co/nGyALTPYhg https://t.co/ETUGfMcHDV — Al Jazeera News (@AJENews) March 15, 2019

New Zealand Police Commissioner: —“Multiple fatalities” at two mosques in the Christchurch area

—“One person in custody, but we are unsure if there are other people” involved in “active shooter” situation

—Also “unsure if there are any other locations…that are under threat” https://t.co/TxR5RAxL7k — Taylor Popielarz (@TaylorPopielarz) March 15, 2019

Police have advised individuals to remain inside for the time being. One suspect has been apprehended and remains in custody.

Snippets of the shooting are still available across social media and multiple video platforms. The entire stream ran for approximately 18 minutes, with the shooter posting a message on the 8chan forums before the stream. “Please do your part by spreading my message, making memes and shitposting as you usually do,” part of the 8chan message reads.

All schools in Christchurch have been put on a lockdown. Two mosques were attacked by two separate shootings, with unconfirmed reports that a bomb has also been discovered in the nearby area.

Update 4:06PM: Pewdiepie has released a statement on Twitter on the matter.

Just heard news of the devastating reports from New Zealand Christchurch.

I feel absolutely sickened having my name uttered by this person.

My heart and thoughts go out to the victims, families and everyone affected by this tragedy. — ƿ૯ωძɿ૯ƿɿ૯ (@pewdiepie) March 15, 2019

This story is developing…