20/03/2023
Abdul Aziz is a hero who played a significant role in the Christchurch mosque shootings. Aziz is a Bangladeshi-born resident of New Zealand who was present at the Linwood Islamic Centre mosque when the attacker, Brenton Tarrant, arrived.
When Aziz heard gunshots, he ran outside and saw the attacker approaching with a firearm. Aziz quickly picked up an empty gun lying on the ground and threw it at the attacker, who was forced to abandon his weapon and flee. Aziz then picked up a credit card machine and chased the attacker, who was driving away. Aziz threw the machine at the car, shattering one of its windows.
Aziz's quick thinking and bravery are credited with potentially saving lives by distracting the attacker and preventing him from continuing his shooting spree. His actions have been widely praised, and he was awarded a bravery medal by the New Zealand government for his heroism.