Terrorist Attack on New Zealand Mosques Sparks Global Outcry
Terrorist attacks on two mosques in New Zealand — which killed at least 49 people on Friday — have sparked horror, revulsion and dismay around the world.
One of the gunmen — believed to be an Australian extremist — apparently livestreamed the deadly assault.
"It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack," said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, describing it as "one of New Zealand's darkest days".
Below are some of the main international reactions so far.
Muslims face 'mass killing'
"With this attack, hostility towards Islam that the world has been idly watching and even encouraging for some time, has gone beyond the boundaries of individual harassment to reach the level of mass killing," said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“On behalf of my country, I offer my condolences to the Islamic world and the people of New Zealand, who have been targeted by this deplorable act - the latest example of rising racism and Islamophobia.
"If measures are not taken right away, news of other disasters will follow this one ... I am calling on the world, in particular the West, to take quick measures," he said.
'Racist hatred'
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she mourned "with New Zealanders for their fellow citizens who were attacked and murdered out of racist hatred while peacefully praying in their mosques. We stand together against such acts of terrorism".
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed Merkel's message, condemning an "odious attack" and saying France "stands against any form of extremism". France has increased security measures at mosques and other religious sites after the deadly attack.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said the US-led alliance "stands with our friend and partner New Zealand in defense of our open societies and shared values".
'Warning on dangers of Islamophobia'
The secretary-general of the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Youssef al-Othaimeen, said the attack “served as a further warning on the obvious dangers of hate, intolerance, and Islamophobia”.
Al-Othaimeen called on New Zealand “to provide more protection to the Muslim communities living in the country”.
He also offered his condolences for those affected by the mass shooting.
'Senseless acts of violence'
Pope Francis denounced the “senseless acts of violence” in the Christchurch mosque shootings and prayed for the Muslim community and all New Zealanders.
He said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the injury and loss of life caused by the senseless acts of violence at two mosques in Christchurch, and he assures all New Zealanders, and in particular the Muslim community, of his heartfelt solidarity in the wake of these attacks”.
US President Donald Trump extended his "warmest sympathy and best wishes" to the people of New Zealand "after the horrible massacre in the mosques". My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The US stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!
President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan and other politicians strongly condemned Friday's terrorist attack on two mosques in New Zealand, which killed 49 people and injured more than 20.
"Shocked and grieved to learn about the horrific massacre in Christchurch mosque," said President Alvi. "My prayers for the victims [...] Hate, once unleashed is difficult to stop. Difficult times."
"Shocked and strongly condemn the Christchurch, New Zealand, terrorist attack on mosques," said Prime Minister Khan on Twitter. "This reaffirms what we have always maintained: that terrorism does not have a religion. Prayers go to the victims and their families."
"I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11 where Islam & 1.3 billion Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror by a Muslim," he went on to say. "This has been done deliberately to also demonize legitimate Muslim political struggles."
'Heinous crime'
Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, tweeted his condolences, noting that “on a day of peace like Friday and at a place of worship like the mosque, we witnessed the most heinous crime of religious hatred”.
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said he extends his “prayers and tears” to the families of the victims. Erekat denounced the “use of religion for political ends” on Twitter, recalling past attacks targeting places of worship, including Israeli settler Baruch Goldstein’s massacre of Palestinian worshippers at the Ibrahimi Mosque in the West Bank city of Hebron, and the assault on a Pittsburgh synagogue last year.
Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, called the carnage in New Zealand “a heinous crime against worshippers in their mosques”.
'Do the necessary'
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he hoped New Zealand "will arrest these terrorists and do the necessary under the law of the country".
Indonesian President Joko Widoyo, head of the world's largest Muslim country, said, "We strongly condemn these kind of violent acts".
'Cruel attack'
"An attack against peaceful people gathering for prayer is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism," Russian President Vladimir Putin said. "I hope that those involved will be severely punished," he said in a message to Arden.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “London stands with the people of Christchurch in the face of this horrific terror attack. London will always celebrate the diversity that some seek to destroy.”
Khan sought to reassure Muslim communities in London following the attacks, saying that the Metropolitan Police would be visible outside mosques.
Japan said it stands by the people of New Zealand.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, in a regular news conference on Friday, expressed “heartfelt condolences” to the shooting victims and their families, while extending sympathy for the injured. Suga expressed “solidarity with the people of New Zealand.”
'Painful memories'
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg urged the international community to combat all forms of extremism after the Christchurch attacks, which revived painful memories of the 2011 Breivik mass killings in Norway.
"It's obviously very sad. It recalls painful memories of our own experience with July 22, the most difficult moment in the post-war period in Norway."
Sweden’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom tweeted that she was “shocked by the attack in Christchurch”, saying “we condemn terrorism in all forms.”
Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen also commented that “extremism has again shown its ugly face.” -AP/AFP
Islamic Shura Council of Southern California
The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, an umbrella organization of over 75 Islamic centers and organizations in Southern California, expresses its strongest condemnation for the terror attacks that took place at two mosques in New Zealand.
Our hearts go out to the innocent victims and their families, we cannot fathom the grief and suffering of someone who receives the news about losing a loved one who was worshiping during the holiest time of the week.
The pain we all felt after hearing the news about this heinous act of terror is a clear manifestation of the vitality of the umma and its unity, and a clear sign that humanity at large rejects aggression and terror.
We strongly believe that nothing will affect us unless it was decreed for us, we also abide but the Prophetic advice of the importance of taking all measures to protect ourselves, being vigilant and alert for any suspicious activities.
The community leadership is in constant discussion on how to handle the aftermath of this incident by conducting safety workshops and contacting local law enforcement agencies to increase patrols at our institutions.
We are also conferring with mental health professionals on the best practices to heal the community and its members, especially the vulnerable ones.
The Shura Council offers its prayers and sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and asks God Almighty to grant the souls of the martyrs the highest stations of Paradise, to heal the maimed and wounded, to ease the profound heartache of their families, loved ones, friends, and the entire Christchurch community.
We thank those who have already reached out to their Muslim friends and neighbors in solidarity and support.
We also thank our member organizations who released a statement condemning this attack expressing the feelings of their congregants.
We thank the law enforcement departments who are increasing their efforts and measures around Islamic organizations to protect and secure our community.
Here is a compilation of statements from USCMO and several of our member organizations expressing their concerns:
Uscmo
Shia Mulsim Council
Islamic Center Of Southern California
Cair
Mpac
Majlis Ashshura Of New York
Islamic Shora Council Of Bakersfield
APPNA
The Association of Physicians of Pakistani-descent of North America condemns the attack on Masajids and killing of at least 49 people in Christchurch, New Zealand last Friday. The Pakistani-American community feels that the attack on the place of worship is a blow to democracy and democratic values.
APPNA condemns this cowardly act and demands action against the perpetrators. Terrorism does not have any religion. It is a crime against humanity and its root cause should be eliminated.
- Naseem Shekhani, MD
APPNA President 2019
COPAA
“I condemn the violent, extremist, right-wing terrorist attack that has stolen the lives of so many innocent New Zealanders as they went about their peaceful practice of worship at their mosques in Christchurch today.” - Australia Prime Minister, Scott Morrison
The Council of Pakistani American Affairs condemn in the strongest terms the extremist, and horrific terrorist attack that stole the lives of our fellow sisters and brothers. Multiple attacks occurred as shots were fired at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The Council of Pakistani American Affairs express their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, the people of New Zealand and everyone affected by this tragedy.
The Pakistani American community will do what they've always done when faced with adversity: they will stand together. This morning, as the tragic news reaches the entire nation, COPAA will continue to double its efforts in promoting the civic and civil right interests of the Pakistani American community. During these challenging times, the community is able to come together and be a pillar of support to one another,
- Shahtaj - Communication and Public Relations Executive
AMWEC
Our shock and pain at viewing the horrific hate crime in New Zealand cannot be understated. We are reeling from the images of loss of our brothers and sisters; we mourn beyond words this unconscionable loss of life and community.
On behalf of American Muslim and Multi Faith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) we are thankful to law enforcement partners in Los Angeles for their immediate response of support to our Muslim and inter faith communities. We take comfort in knowing that law enforcement views this act, and others, as a threat to our democracy and our lifestyle. Knowing that we have added security and emotional support in our houses of worship and community at large assures us that the resources are available to fight all extreme acts of hatred and violence.
Many thanks for assuring us that the basic American structure is intact and supports each and everyone of us as we worship and conduct our everyday lives.
-- Anila Ali
SDW
South Asia Democracy Watch (SDW) has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in two Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand killing 49 and wounding dozens of Muslim worshipers on Friday.
SDW, a nonprofit organization based in Washington DC and Dallas, Texas expressed its resolve in a press release: “We join the peace-loving people of New Zealand in condemning the worst kind of terrorist attacks in Europe.”
Emphasizing that “Terrorism has no country and no religion,” the statement categorically rejected all kinds of hatred, and violence against any religion, ethnicity, or nationality. “Terrorism has many faces in all parts of the world,” the statement continued, “but a handful of extremists cannot deter the peaceful majority of the world who are united against violence and religious extremism.”
SDW plans to participate in the vigil and rallies in solidarity with the world community, demonstrating its resolve to reject terrorism and promote peace all over the world.
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