We stand with Our Muslim Brothers, Sisters: Celebs Lend Support to Christchurch victims
Celebrities around the world are extending their love to the victims of Friday’s mosque shooting in Christchurch, condemning the attack and hoping for justice to be served.
As the right-wing extremist – who filmed himself open fire and kill 49 mosque-goers at in the New Zelandic city – flashed a sign of white supremacy while appearing in court on Saturday, everyone from Mahira Khan and Sonya Hussayn to Kylie Jenner pledged their support to Muslims around the world.
Him & I singer Halsey took to social media to share a message of solidarity with the global Muslim community. “I’m so sorry to the community of Christchurch. I’m so sorry to the Muslim community around the world. I cannot fathom how anyone can cause so much pain in a place of worship. My heart is with you. The world’s hearts are with you,” she wrote.
“But I hope we will be more kind to our Muslim neighbors. I hope we will walk our friends to their cars, we will stand up for them in moments of hostility or prejudice and we will correct and chastise people who spew vitriol about them behind closed doors,” the Bad at Love crooner added. “This is a kind, modest, loving, altruistic community. Islamophobia is not simply ignorant – it’s deadly. We must find solidarity. All my love to the Muslim communities of the world and to my Muslim fans who feel alone right now. You’re not.”
Reality TV superstars from the Kardashian and Jenner clans also condemned the shooting and offered support to the victims and their families. Kourtney Kardashian, Kylie and Kris Jenner all shared positive messages.
“I have been physically sick all day after hearing about the senseless, hateful acts in New Zealand this morning,” Kourtney said in a tweet. “As a Christian, I believe hate is wrong in any form. We need to walk in love. For all people and all religions, I stand with my Muslim brothers and sisters.”
Kylie, who recently became the youngest billionaire in the world, said, “Heartbroken about the terrorist attack in New Zealand. Praying for the victims, their families and the whole Muslim community.”
Her mother Kris added, “My heart is with New Zealand this morning. Praying for the victims and their families.”
Even Grammy Award-winning singer John Legend chimed in. “The killings in New Zealand are so horrific and heartbreaking. This white supremacist terrorist movement is so destructive, here [in the US] and abroad. We need to unite against it.”
Avengers actor Mark Ruffalo offered condolences saying, “More heartbreaking and enraging news. My deepest sympathy to those lost in another racist, bigoted killing in New Zealand.”
Rambo star Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed sympathies towards Muslims. “My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the people of New Zealand. This is a horrific act of terror but please know that the world stands with you. I stand with you.”
Gladiator actor Russell Crowe, who happens to be an Australian, just like shooter Brendon Tarrant, condemned the attack too. “49 dead in NZ. Senseless, pointless, cruel deaths. My heart breaks for all the families involved and for the beautiful people of New Zealand to whose hearts this pain will attach for a long time.”
Attacks on two Christchurch mosques left at least 49 dead on Friday, with one gunman apparently live-streaming the assault that triggered the lock-down of the New Zealandic city on his Facebook.
In what appears to be the worst attack against Muslims in a non-Muslim country, witnesses spoke of victims being shot at close range, with women and children believed to be among them.
“It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, adding it was one of New Zealand’s darkest days.”
- The Express Tribune
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