Community honors victims of New Zealand mosque shootings
NEWARK, Del. – In Newark people from across Delaware are still trying to piece together how a gunman was able to open fire at two separate mosques in New Zealand, killing at least 50 people and injuring dozens of others.
“We are gathered here today to memorialize the victims of this mass shooting, this senseless mass shooting in Christchurch New Zealand,” said the Delaware Council and Global Muslim Affairs Executive Director, Naveed Baqir.
“We have to show solidarity,” said Baqir.
On Sunday state officials gathered in Newark urging members of the local Muslim community to come together during this tragic time.
“It’s essential that we come together in an interface way to reassure the Muslim community here in Delaware to reassert our commitment fighting hate and reinforce the importance of love and inclusion in our community,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons.
According to Baqir, it is crucial for the world to understand that Muslims will respond to the tragedy with local and that division is not tolerated.
“Islam is a religion of peace and love,” said Baqir, “We love those who love us and we love those who don’t even know us, and we are responding to this tragedy by opening up the mosque.”
The executive director said people from across the state have been reaching out to a local mosque in Newark expressing condolences and support.
“We receive emails and phone calls and we invite them,” said Baqir, “We take them to our families for family dinners, we go to their homes people who our neighbors.”
And, state officials say if any Muslims feel unsafe moving forward, they are urged to reach out to others for support.
“It’s my hope that there will be reassurances and support and engagement by local, state and federal law enforcement, but if there are mosques and synagogues that are concerned for their security certainly they’re welcome to invest in security, but I hope they don’t feel the need to,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons.
As a result of this horrific shooting, the New Zealand prime minister said this weekend that there will be discussion on gun regulation later on.
