While Muslim leaders mourn what New Zealand officials have called an act of terrorism, they also are denouncing white supremacist ideology.
"This is not a matter of good, or bad, or adequate security measures at the mosque," said Asma Mohammed with Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment. "It is a matter of white supremacy. We know where this man was radicalized. He wasn't radicalized at some terrorist cell in Syria or Somalia. He was radicalized online."
Both the Minneapolis and St. Paul Police Departments have been in contact with CAIR and have committed to stepping up patrols around local mosques and other Muslim community centers.
Reaction has been strong agains the attacks from various people on Twitter.
Governor Tim Walz:
Gwen and I send our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those lost in the tragedy in Christchurch, New Zealand. Violence and hatred have no place in our world. To our Muslim brothers and sisters in Minnesota: we stand with you.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz)
March 15, 2019 Senator Amy Klobuchar:
This is heartbreaking. My prayers are with the people of New Zealand and the families of those 49 killed and dozens injured at the mosques in Christchurch. People should be able to worship in this world without fear and know they will come home safe. https://t.co/d5ucjtl6bn
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar)
March 15, 2019 Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson:
The idiots who killed innocent people praying in New Zealand are weak, sick and worthless. To the Muslim community in Hennepin County we have your back!
— Hutch (@sheriffdhutch)
March 15, 2019
