Today marks four years since the Christchurch mosque shootings – the worst terror attack on New Zealand soil.
In a five-chapter series, Christchurch-based Herald senior journalist KURT BAYER explores what happened at the two mosques that day, how the tight-knit Muslim community was torn apart and how the city and a nation responded.
He also follows the lives of some of the victims as they struggle with loss, grief, ongoing traumatic mental and physical injuries, highlighting the ripple effect of what's been called "our darkest of days".
The series was first published in March 2020.
In Chapter Four, Bayer examines the fallout from the attacks. Amid a climate of hope and fear, huge crowds gather at memorials - and a call to prayer like no other. Meanwhile, the Government moves swiftly to tighten gun laws.
CONTENT WARNING: Some readers might find this story distressing.