A local anthropology professor who studies ethnic relations compares white supremacy in the U.S. and overseas.

News 12 spoke with Quinnipiac University professor Hillary Haldane following the mosque attacks in New Zealand that killed 50 people.

Haldane's ties to New Zealand extend across almost 40 years. She's lived, studied and conducted research across the country, including in Christchurch, the city at the center of Friday's tragedy.

"Christchurch in particular is the site of a lot of white supremacy, neo-Nazi, skinhead groups and movement," said Haldane.

Haldane says Friday's attack could have been averted if governments across the world started taking white supremacist groups more seriously as threats.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says they are already making plans to tighten gun laws in the country. 

Haldane says other countries should look to her as an example.