The man accused of killing dozens of people at two mosques in New Zealand last year initially pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. But now, in a surprise move, he's changed that plea to guilty.
On Thursday, the suspect appeared in court via a video link to plead guilty to 92 charges — including 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement the suspect's guilty plea would "provide some relief to the many people whose lives were shattered" after the 2019 shooting.
The unexpected plea change eliminates the need for a trial scheduled for June. Instead, the court will move straight to sentencing. He faces a lifetime behind bars.
