Ardern now faces her toughest challenge, the worst 6massacre in the island nation's modern history. At least 50 people killed and 50 wounded in a terror attack at two different 7mosques in Christchurch.
¡°What I can say is that it is clear that this is one of New Zealand's darkest days.¡±
On the day of the attack, Ardern was quick to tell the country that New Zealand will never become the center for 8harboring 9hatred.
¡°For those of you who are watching at home tonight and questioning how this could have happened here. We, New Zealand, we were not a target because we're a safe harbor for those who hate. We were not chosen for this act of violence because we 10condone racism, because we're an 11enclave for 12extremism. We were chosen for the very facts that we are none of these things.¡±
She made the promise to change the nation's gun laws in the aftermath of this horrific attack.
¡°I can tell you one thing right now. Our gun laws will change.¡±