Former President Barack Obama tweeted support for the Muslim community of New Zealand after a deadly shooting in Christchurch on Friday. | Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images Politics Obama on New Zealand massacre: We 'must stand against hatred in all its forms'

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama offered their condolences to New Zealand and the Muslim community on Friday after at least 49 people were killed in shooting attacks at two New Zealand mosques.

"Michelle and I send our condolences to the people of New Zealand. We grieve with you and the Muslim community. All of us must stand against hatred in all its forms," Obama tweeted.


New Zealand police arrested a 28-year-old man for murder following the racist attack at two mosques in Christchurch during Friday prayers. Two others are in custody in connection to the attack, and 48 people are also being treated for injuries, which range from minor to critical.

President Donald Trump tweeted his sympathies early Friday, adding that the U.S. stands with New Zealand.

"My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques," he tweeted. "49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!"