PewDiePie says he is “sickened” after New Zealand mosque shooter mentioned his name
PewDiePie/YouTubeFelix ‘PewDiePie‘ Kjellberg has said that he was sickened to hear his name mentioned by a terrorist involved in a shooting incident in Christchurch, New Zealand, that has left more than 40 people dead.
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At 2:40pm local time in central Christchurch, reports surfaced of a shooting featuring “multiple” gunmen who opened fire at two separate mosques. At the time of writing, the official death toll stands at 49.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the events as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”. She also confirmed that the shooting was a “terrorist attack”.
One of the shooters was livestreaming the incident on Facebook and was heard saying “Remember lads, subscribe to PewDiePie” moments before the shooting occurred.
In response to a serious ongoing firearms incident in Christchurch all Christchurch schools have been placed into lockdown. Police urge anyone in central Christchurch to stay off the streets and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019
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After the situation had unfolded, PewDiePie posted a tweet saying he was “absolutely sickened” to have heard his name uttered by the gunman.
“Just heard news of the devastating reports from Christchurch, New Zealand” he said. “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.”
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
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PewDiePie was joined by other members of the online community in condemning the attack and expressing their condolences and support by those affected by the shooting.
Out of respect for those murdered and their families.
This is tragic. :pensive: pic.twitter.com/gmw4yc8vgh
— Myth (@TSM_Myth) March 15, 2019
My heart goes out to New Zealand… awful news.
— timthetatman (@timthetatman) March 15, 2019
Prayers up for New Zealand.
What I am reading and seeing is just so sad man. :disappointed:
:pray:♥️:pensive:
— Castro1021 (@Castro1021) March 15, 2019
Prayers to the families of the victims in New Zealand.. there’s some pretty disgusting individuals on this planet.
— MRKN Rue (@RueRunsIt) March 15, 2019
Our hearts are broken over today’s terrible tragedy in New Zealand. Please know we are working vigilantly to remove any violent footage.
— YouTube (@YouTube) March 15, 2019
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According to reports, the shooter posted an 18-page manifesto on Twitter and 8chan that detailed some of the motivations for the attack.
Official information on the attack itself is still being sorted out by the local authorities, although it appears as though the situation has been contained and all the offenders are in custody.