Christchurch mosque attacks survivor meets President Trump at White House - 'Thank you for supporting us'
A Christchurch terror attack survivor has met with US President Donald Trump as part of a meeting with victims of religious persecution in the White House's Oval Office today. Fifty-one people were killed in attacks in the Linwood and Al Noor mosques on March 15. Farid Ahmed's wife of 24 years was killed following the shooting at Al Noor mosque.
Mr Ahmed, in a wheel-chair, thanked Mr Trump for his leadership and "standing up for humanity"."Thank you for supporting us after the March 15 tragedy in Christchurch," he said to Mr Trump as they sat together.
“God bless you and God bless the United States." Mr Trump said what happened in Christchurch was a terrible event. In a remembrance service held two weeks after the attacks, Mr Ahmed forgave the alleged gunman, saying, "I have chosen peace, I have chosen love and I have forgiven." During today's meeting, Mr Trump told the survivors from religious maltreatment, who came from 17 different countries, "each of you has now become a witness to the importance of advancing religious liberty all around the world. It's about religious liberty." Mr Trump said, "In America, we've always understood that our rights come from God, not from government." The president listened as several of those attending shared their experiences of religious and human rights abuses. Mr Trump told those who had been persecuted, "you've been through a lot more than most people could ever endure. And I want to congratulate you because that's what you need is congratulations. It's really an honour to be with you and I will stand side by side with you forever."
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Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.6% Nah - not for me
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Andy Warhole Triple Elvis at Auckland Art Gallery
Something different and worth visiting, See special for Elvis Fans below
Pop to Present: American Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
One of the most iconic artistic tributes to The King is now on display at Auckland Art Gallery
Andy Warhol’s Triple Elvis — a legendary artwork that helped shape Elvis Presley’s image as a global pop culture icon — is a standout highlight of Pop to Present: American Art from Virginia Museum of Fine Arts , a landmark exhibition of American art.
This is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a work that celebrates Elvis’s enduring legacy, alongside masterpieces by Jackson Pollock, Roy Lichtenstein, Mark Rothko and more.
✨ Don’t miss your chance to see Elvis through Warhol’s eyes. ✨
Special promotions
Quadruple Elvis Comeback Special: Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 January 2026
In honour of Andy Warhol's Triple Elvis, featured in Pop to Present, we're holding a special promotion to celebrate The King of Rock and Roll's birthday.
Inspired by Warhol's work, the Gallery invites you to become the art and take it from a Triple Elvis to a Quadruple Elvis. From Thursday 8 January to Sunday 11 January, anyone who comes dressed in their best Elvis getup will receive 50% off their entry to Pop to Present. Think: sunglasses, sideburns and slicked hair. Dust off the jumpsuit and leather jacket or even an Elvis Tee Shirt, and join us for a weekend of Pop-inspired fun.
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