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Man says his warnings about accused NZ attacker's gun club were ignored by police


A man claims his warnings about a gun club the accused Christchurch terrorist visited were ignored before he allegedly carried out his attack.

The Bruce Rifle Club is 40 minutes south of Dunedin.

While it’s been closed after the atrocities allegedly committed by one of its members Brenton Tarrant, visitors said it was once not only gunshots which were heard inside.

Pete Breidahl was so alarmed by what he saw when he visited the club he said he reported it to police after “one shoot”.

A man claims he warned police about Bruce Rifle Club where Brenton Tarrant, accused of murdering people at a Christchurch mosque, was a member. Source: 7 News
A man claims he warned police about Bruce Rifle Club where Brenton Tarrant, accused of murdering people at a Christchurch mosque, was a member. Source: 7 News

“The f***ing cammo (camouflage clothing), the webbing – all this s*** that I saw years ago that made me f***ing concerned enough to make me go to a police officer,” he says in a Facebook video.

He claims police ignored his warnings and was told “they’re a bunch of silly old duffers”.

“Don’t worry about them, it’s all good,” he claims he was told.

Tarrant used to visit every second and forth Sunday of the month and as a club member on other days of his choosing. He also had a key to come and go as he pleased.

The club has refused to comment on the advice of police.

Pete Breidahl said he told told police he was concerned about members who had ‘homicidal fantasies’. Source: 7 News
Pete Breidahl said he told told police he was concerned about members who had ‘homicidal fantasies’. Source: 7 News

Mr Breidahl has now surrendered his gun licence.

He added he wished he had done more at the time to bring forth his concerns.

“I’m so, so sorry to those affected that I didn’t try harder, or do more,” Mr Breidahl said.

Brenton Tarrant has been charged with murder following Friday’s terror attack. Fifty people died. Source: 7 News
Brenton Tarrant has been charged with murder following Friday’s terror attack. Fifty people died. Source: 7 News