Father and daughter injured in Christchurch mosque shooting undergo surgery
Sunday, 17 March 2019
A father and daughter injured in the massacre at Al Noor mosque in Christchurch have both undergone surgery.
Wasseim Alsati and his 4-year-old daughter, Alen, were at the mosque on Deans Ave when they were shot just after 1.40pm on Friday.
Alen is being treated at Starship Hospital in Auckland, and Alsati, who was shot three times, is at Christchurch Hospital.
Friend Carolyne Phillips said Alsati had gone back into surgery on Sunday to repair one of his bullet wounds.
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In a Facebook post she said Alen had also been in surgery on Sunday and she was doing better than doctors expected.
'She still has a long way to go, bless her.'
Christchurch Hospital head of surgery Greg Robertson said on Sunday she was still in a critical condition.
Phillips said Alsati was heavily sedated and on a ventilator, but could hear her talking and he was trying to open his eyes. He had surgery on Saturday to get shrapnel and bone out of his hip socket after already having surgery for a perforated bowel and an injury to his pelvis.
She said there was talk of him going to Auckland to be with his wife, Asma, who was at their daughter's side.
Alsati originates from Jordan and works as a barber in Christchurch.
He posted a video from his hospital bed on social media on Saturday, thanking people for their messages of support and asking people to pray for him and his daughter.
'I am just posting this video to show I am okay. It's a pleasure to know you all. Thank you for all the support and help you have given me so far.'
It is understood he has four children. His other children were at school during the shooting.
A friend of Alsati's, Fahad Drarjeh, has set up a fundraiser for the family. It has so far raised US$22,079 ($32,223).