Judicial investigation opens into Christchurch mosque shootings

Wellington: A judicial inquiry into whether New Zealand's police and intelligence services could have prevented the Christchurch mosque attacks in which 51 worshippers died began taking evidence on Monday. The royal commission — the most powerful judicial probe available under New Zealand law — will examine events leading up to the March 15 attack in which a lone gunman opened fire on two mosques in a mass shooting that shocked the world. "This is a critical part of our ongoing response to the attack — the commission's findings will help to ensure such an attack never happens here again," PM Ardern said.