In the manifesto, Tarrant says he received the blessing from a group called the “reborn Knights Templar” (after the Christian soldiers during the Crusades) and indicates he was inspired by Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik, who also wrote a manifesto that talked about a reborn Knights Templar, although prosecutors thought Breivik made it up to inspire others. “Brenton Tarrant is a f*cking hero” wrote another, as they watched it unfold live, sharing screenshots. “Best of luck Brenton Tarrant,” wrote one. Various contributors to the extremely disturbing chat thread then cheered the writer on, with some posting Nazi symbols. I will carry out and attack against the invaders, and will even live stream the attack via facebook.”
In addition, a person who appeared to be the same gunman also posted a link to the live video and manifesto in a chat thread called 8chan, which is described by The New York Times as “an online forum known for extremist right-wing discussion.” The user wrote, “Well lads, it’s time to stop sh*tposting and time to make a real life effort post. Facebook Live screenshotsBrenton Tarrant video screenshots
