CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — She wonders now if that moment was a prophecy, if her brother somehow knew it was the last time they'd see each other. Or maybe he was just teasing her, like he always did. But whatever the whole thing meant, Aya al-Umari likes to believe it was her brother's
It was Thursday, the evening before a white supremacist stormed into the mosque where Hussein al-Umari was praying, killing the 35-year-old in New Zealand's deadliest mass shooting in modern history. Hussein had joined his sister Aya and their parents for dinner. And he was fixated on Aya's new shirt.Every time she passed him, he'd chirp:"Hey, that's a nice top!"
When Hussein left her house on Thursday night, she was busy. She didn't get the chance to hug him goodbye, or say the words out loud. She alternates between laughter and tears when she thinks of him now. The two of them moved from Abu Dhabi to Christchurch in 1997, and had settled comfortably into their new lives in the peaceful green country. Hussein, an exercise enthusiast, loved taking long walks, sometimes several times a day. He also loved to travel, most recently to the seaside South Island city of Nelson. He'd created a video blog of his adventures; Aya had been impressed by how polished the video was.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Christchurch shootings continue to ripple in NZ sportsNew Zealand's worst peacetime mass killing rippled through the country&039...
Read more »
NZ PM Ardern says Christchurch shooter traveled around the world, not a residentNew Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the suspect in the Christc...
Read more »
Christchurch workers, students return after NZ mosque shootingsNew Zealand police promised a high-profile presence as schools and businesses in...
Read more »
NZ police: Multiple fatalities at two mosques in ChristchurchChristchurch mass shooting: New Zealand police confirm there have been 'multiple fatalities, as far as we know, at two locations' named as mosques in Christchurch, and that one person is in custody
Read more »
'Terrorist attack,' New Zealand PM, at least 40 dead - NZ mosque attacksNew Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says country placed on its highest security threat level after shootings at two mosques in Christchurch kill at least 40 people and seriously wound 20 others. Three men and a woman taken into custody.
Read more »
New Zealand to revise gun laws after terrorist assault – NZ mosque attacksThe New Zealand government will revamp gun laws after Friday's assault. Brenton Tarrant, who attacked two mosques in Christchurch killing 50 people, has sacked his state-appointed lawyer saying he 'wants to be self-represented in this case.'
Read more »
New Zealand PM Ardern targets gun reform laws after weekend of mourningTightening New Zealand's gun laws is at the top of Prime Minister Jacinda A...
Read more »
NZ police say mosque shootings death toll rises to 50The death toll in the New Zealand mosque shootings has risen to 50 after investi...
Read more »
NZ mosque shootings death toll rises to 50, families wait to bury victimsThe death toll in the New Zealand mosque shootings has risen to 50 after investi...
Read more »
Student pilot, takeaway owner, child among victims of NZ shootingsAn aircraft engineer, a takeaway store owner, a student pilot; details emerging ...
Read more »