April 21, 2020 / By mobanmarket
After a terrorist attack at two New Zealand mosques — that reports suggest was inspired by right-wing extremism — left 49 people dead, communities across the United States are responding by increasing security at local mosques and standing in solidarity with the global and American Muslim community.
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The Council on American-Islamic Relations called on mosques, Islamic schools and other community institutions in the United States and around the world to take additional security precautions, especially during communal prayer.
“Violence on the basis of religion is evil. Today’s attack in New Zealand is a sobering reminder that the threat of political and religious violence is real and that we must remain vigilant against it,” the nation’s top law enforcement officer, Attorney General William Barr, said in a statement. “The Justice Department joins in mourning with the people of New Zealand.”
In New York City, NYPD Police Commissioner James O’Neill said the police stands with the local Muslim community and will remain vigilant in keeping them sake and making sure that they feel safe.
“The people we serve, in every neighborhood, must always be free from fear and have the immutable right to worship and live in peace,” O’Neill said in a statement. “The NYPD sees no New York City connection to the tragedy in New Zealand at this time, but we nevertheless stand prepared to protect the people in all of our communities.”
O’Neill said police are increasing patrols and high-visibility counterterrorism presence at locations across the city.
In Johns Creek, Georgia, the local Masjid Jafar mosque added extra police officers during its Friday prayers and on an ongoing basis until the comfort level increases.
“We have a town hall meeting planned to discuss how to increase the security and protect the mosque,” the mosque’s chairman, Naeem Mulla, told Patch. “No events have been canceled, but we will not rule that out if we get some credible information. So, we are taking a ‘watch and see’ approach.”
At another nearby Georiga mosque in Roswell, a spokeswoman said there will be extra security onsite on Friday, however that is typical for most Fridays at the mosque.
At a St. Patrick’s Day political roast in Newton, Massachusetts, Rep. Joe Kennedy, a Massachuetts Democrat, made a point of recognizing those lost in New Zealand.
“To be here this morning after what we saw break overnight in New Zealand is a poignant reminder [of America’s welcoming immigrant roots],” Kennedy said. “I know we all stand in solidarity with the Muslim community around the world, with those mourning in New Zealand and across the globe.”
Police in San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Howard County, Maryland and Pittsburgh have also stepped up security at local mosques.
Jewish community members in Cambridge, Massachusetts stood outside the Islamic Society of Boston during afternoon prayers on Friday. Cambridge Police say they have stationed a detail at the mosque and plan to continue that during services for the time being.
Patch editors Brendan Krisel, Bea Karnes, Eric Heyl, Jenna Fisher, Kathleen Sturgeon, Alessia Grunberger and Amber Fisher contributed to this report.
This report will be updated.
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