Apple CEO Tim Cook leads messages of support to victims of the NZ mass shooting

The CEO of Apple has said he is ‘devastated’ by the mass shooting in Christchurch, after dozens of worshipers in a mosque were horrifically gunned down.

Tim Cook evoked the words on Martin Luther King, in a message of support to the victims in New Zealand.

He said: ‘Devastated by the reports out of New Zealand. The community in Christchurch is in our hearts, as are all affected by this horrific attack. “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” – MLK’

Witnesses reported hearing 50 shots from his weapons including a semi-automatic shotgun and a rifle at Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch on the country’s South Island

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed solidarity with the murdered victims, writing powerfully that ‘we must come together’ in the time of tragedy.

She wrote: ‘This is a time of great vulnerability for our communities. We must come together, fight for each other, & stand up for neighbors. Isolation, dehumanizing stereotypes, hysterical conspiracy theories, & hatred ultimately lead to the anarchy of violence. We cannot stand for it.’

Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert Kennedy, wrote a heartfelt message to the victims, writing on Twitter: ‘To those affected by the act of white supremacist terrorism in Christchurch, New Zealand, know this: my family holds you closest in our prayers tonight. Millions mourn for your loss. 

‘Millions more are prepared to take action and end the moral cancer of white supremacy.’

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed solidarity with the murdered victims, writing powerfully that ‘we must come together’ in the time of tragedy

Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert Kennedy, wrote a heartfelt message to the victims, writing on Twitter: ‘To those affected by the act of white supremacist terrorism in Christchurch, New Zealand, know this: my family holds you closest in our prayers tonight. Millions mourn for your loss

Adding that her father Robert Kennedy and her uncle John. F. Kennedy were victims of fun violence, she called for the end of Islamophobia and of white supremacy.

She wrote: ‘My father suffered the unspeakable tragedy of losing a brother to gun violence. He was a victim of gun violence himself. These moments leave us speechless, but together we have a voice: a voice that can call for an end to Islamophobia and white supremacy. Now is a time to act.’

Witnesses reported hearing 50 shots from his weapons including a semi-automatic shotgun and a rifle at Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch on the country’s South Island.

The gunman – who identified himself on Twitter as Brenton Tarrant – live-streamed the mass shooting inside the Al Noor Mosque, which happened about 1.30pm (11.30am AEDT) as Friday prayers were underway.

A video seen by Daily Mail Australia shows the man firing multiple shots at dozens of people as they try to flee. A suspect is in custody but it is unclear whether it is the gunman.

The suspected gunman posted a 87-page manifesto to Twitter before the killings, describing them as a ‘terrorist attack’.

Actor Steve Blum also sent his support, calling for an end to hatred in society.

While the author Neil Gaiman called the attack ‘monstrous’

People were also reportedly shot at the nearby Linwood Masjid mosque.

Actor Steve Blum also sent his support, calling for an end to hatred in society.

He wrote: ‘Oh my God. New Zealand my heart is with you. Devastating. This has to stop. This emboldened culture of hatred must be rooted out, fully exposed and brought to justice. Starting with our president.’

While the author Neil Gaiman called the attack ‘monstrous’.