Two Muslim nationals, one from Pakistan, have been awarded the Civil Medal of Bravery in Wellington for trying to stop a New Zealand mosque attacker.
According to the Associated Press, the two men on Thursday paid tribute to their efforts to save lives.
In 2019, a mosque in Christchurch was attacked by gunmen and 51 people were killed.Among the recipients of the award was Naeem Rashid who gave his life in an attempt to save others, while a man named Abdul Aziz managed to escape the bullets after such an attempt.
The award was given to only two individuals since its inception in 1999, and now eight others have been awarded for their bravery in helping others during moving shots.
Rashid was with his son at the Al Noor Mosque in New Zealand during Friday prayers, where dozens of others were also present. At that moment, a man with a gun entered the hall and started firing indiscriminately.
Authorities say Rashid was among those close to the shooter, as the assailant turned his shotgun on himself when apprehended by a police officer on the porch of the house where the shootings took place. While falling, they managed to bring the attacker down to the ground.
The assailant then stood up and fired at Rashid again.
Authorities say seven people escaped during the short break.
Immediately, the assailant left the mosque and pulled out a gun outside the other mosque.
