There were emotional scenes inside and outside the Christchurch High Court on Friday as Brenton Tarrant plead not guilty to all 92 laid charges.
There were 140 family members of those injured and killed in attendance, filling three court rooms to overflowing.
"We are showing the people we are strong, we are innocent people, but we are strong," said one man.
No cameras were allowed in when the 28-year-old appeared via video link from Paremoremo Prison in Auckland.
Tarrant winked as the court heard he was fit to stand trial and gave a slight smile as the not guilty pleas were read to the 51 charges of murder, 40 of attempted murder, and one of an act of terrorism relating to the March 15 terrorism attack.
"He will play the game; drag it along and play with families lives," said Yama Nabi, the son of Haji Daud Nabi, who died in the attack.
Ninety-one days on, families are still bearing scars and now face a trial.
"I am very upset from the court," said one woman in attendance, while another man said: "It is very hard, I feel very sad."
Abdul Aziz who chased the alleged gunman from the Linwood Mosque. where seven people were killed, admits the court appearance was emotionally tough.
"All the memories come back," he said.
During the court hearing, armed police circled the Justice Precinct in a blacked-out four wheel drive and were called upon when a passerby yelled out white supremist insults at family members leaving court.
News of today's developments went around the world on some of the biggest television networks, such as CBS News.
The intense interest in the case set to continue right up until the start of the trial, set down for May 4 2020. The Crown estimates it will take six weeks, but the defence says it could last three months.
Tarrant's next appearance is in August for a case review hearing.
Newshub.
