Breivik's shadow hangs heavy over Christchurch attack
The New Zealand mosque attacker claimed inspiration from Norwegian rightwing extremist Anders Behring Breivik and the deadly rampage in Christchurch on Friday resembled his 2011 massacre in its methods and motives.
Extremists around the world have sought to emulate Breivik ever since his deadly attacks in Norway which left 77 people dead in 2011.
The Christchurch attacks bore several of the features of Breivik's: mass shootings, multicultural victims, a racist manifesto published online and inscribed weapons.
In a 74-page document posted on Twitter just before the attack, the Christchurch shooter said he "took true inspiration from Knight Justiciar Breivik", using terminology reminiscent of that used by the Norwegian extremist.
"I have only had brief contact with Knight Justiciar Breivik, receiving a blessing for my mission after contacting his brother knights," wrote the shooter.
A lawyer for Breivik, Oystein Storrvik, told Verdens Gang newspaper that "it seems unlikely" the ...