First Person - The latest chapter in the court proceedings of the accused mosque gunman played out in cold, misty weather in Christchurch this morning.
Mosque attack families exit court after the man charged with the Christchurch attacks pleaded not guilty to all charges. Photo: RNZ
Reporters and camera crews from around the world lined Lichfield Street from 6.30am, with all eyes and lenses on the High Court, situated on the Justice Precinct's fourth floor.
Today was the third appearance of Brenton Tarrant, who today pleaded not guilty to all 92 charges against him, including murder, attempted murder and one terrorism charge.
As his 9.15am court appearance approached, so too did a steady trickle of people from the Muslim community - some arriving alone and others in clusters, clasping each others hands.
Some bore physical wounds visible in limps and crutches, while others displayed their emotional wounds in shirts printed with the names of their deceased loved ones.
Shutters clicked as the gunman's lawyers, Shane Tait and Jonathan Hudson, dragged suitcases of court documents through entrance A1.
At 9.56am texts came through that the hearing was over and that he had entered not guilty pleas to all charges. Then came expressions of frustration and pain from the Muslim community, some of whom had just seen their first glimpse of the man, albeit via video-link.
Didar Hossain, who lost his uncle in the attacks, concluded today had been a "difficult day."
"I was totally heartbroken," he said of hearing the not guilt pleas.
Lawyers for the accused Christchurch mosque attacker, Shane Tait Jonathan Hudson, arrive at court. Photo: RNZ
Pain turned to anger during a brief scuffle, when a man shouting race-related comments approached shooting survivor Mustafa Boztas and mosque "hero" Abdul Aziz.
The man swiftly was apprehended by Corrections staff and police officers, leaving shocked bystanders in his wake.
But Temal Atacocugu, who was shot nine times in the 15 March attacks, fronted media with a message of strength and solidarity.
"He is the loser and we are the winner," he said.
"We are innocent people but we are strong. We are New Zealand and we are strong."
Lichfield Street is expected to play host to the crowds again in August, when the accused will appear for a case review hearing.
His trial is due to start on 4 May, next year.