Shooting at Mosque in Christchurch New Zealand Sends Shockwaves Across the Globe
During prayer services held in Christchurch New Zealand, a gunman opened fire on two crowds of people during a Friday prayer. The attacks began at the Al Noor Mosque in the suburb of Riccarton at 1:40 pm, and continued at the Linwood Islamic Centre at about 1:55 pm. The attacks have been described as an act of terrorism.
The mass shooting killed 50 people and injured 50 more people. A 28-year-old Australian man, described in the media as “a white supremacist” and part of the "alt-right", was arrested and charged with murder.
The gunman live-streamed the attacks for 17 minutes on Facebook before the video was suspended. He was taken into custody 21 minutes after the second attack and was believed by authorities to have been traveling to a third mosque.
The mass shooting has since raised a global concern for Islamaphobia and gun control. Islamaphobia, referring to “the fear, hatred of, or prejudice against, the Islamic religion or Muslims generally, especially when seen as a geopolitical force or the source of terrorism.”
A day after the shooting, Jacinda Arden, the Prime Minister of New Zealand announced that all “military rifle-style” weapons will be banned. Residents have been prompted to turn over such guns to authorities in the time being, as the law is not yet passed.
Arden plans to personally reach out to those affected by the shooting saying "I will be meeting again with first responders, including St John’s ambulance and front-line support staff. I plan on meeting with family members, but I’m also very mindful that families are receiving their loved ones for burial and I certainly intend, and I ask others also, to be respectful of course at this hugely sensitive time.”
The attacks have sent shockwaves throughout the world, with Joliet residents and Will County mosques paying their respects to those who have been affected. Mosques such as Al-Aqsa Community Center in Aurora, took a moment of silence before their Monday prayer to pay their respects to the lives lost.
Diana Karejhia, a Joliet resident and member of the Islamic Center of Romeoville responded to the attacks saying “I just don’t understand the hatred there is for me and my people. Nowhere is safe for us anymore. I shouldn’t have to be afraid of going to pray with my family on a Friday afternoon.”
