(WASHINGTON DC 3/15/2019) – The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), a coalition of several leading national and local Muslim organizations and institutions, loudly condemn the terror attacks that took place earlier at two New Zealand mosques.
The terror attacks which took place during Friday prayers, were streamed live on social media. Recent reports put the death toll at 49, with many injuries. “Let us make no mistake about it- this is an act of terror against innocent worshipers,” said USCMO Secretary General Oussama Jammal. “To simply call it an act of violence severely downplays the hate ideology that fueled this heinous crime.”
USCMO calls on New Zealand authorities to treat the attacks as an act of terrorism. USCMO further calls upon enfranchised peoples of conscious to use their voices and vested powers to legally, morally, politically, and publically proscribe the expression of this escalating, dangerous hate-speech and hostile activity against Muslims and Islam by politicians and organized groups, and to enforce the restoration of safety and human rights for their Muslim neighbors and fellow citizens. Additionally, USCMO urges all mosques and Islamic centers to take security measures and calls upon the Muslim community to remain vigilant.
USCMO offers its pryaers and sincere condolences to the families of the victims, beseech our One Creator to receive the souls of those slain in His Houses of Prayer with gentle acceptance in the Highest Stations of Paradise, to heal the maimed and wounded, to ease the profound suffering of their families, loved ones, friends, and the entire Christchurch community.
Finally, USCMO thanks those who have already reached out to their Muslim friends and neighbors in solidarity and support.
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