‘I am overwhelmed by sadness’: John Lewis, world leaders condemn attacks on New Zealand mosques
Mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, have left nearly 50 people dead, and that number is expected to rise.
World leaders and some locals took to social media to condemn the attacks and offer sympathies to those affected.
» Georgia Muslims urged to step up security after New Zealand attacks
» Atlanta, Gwinnett police stepping up security around local mosques
U.S. Rep. John Lewis was among the Georgia politicians who shared their thoughts.
I am overwhelmed by sadness at the murder of 49 souls in Christchurch, New Zealand. There is no room in our society for hate, especially on the basis of religion. I pray for our Muslim brothers and sisters and hope that the world community will come to see love as the better way.
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) March 15, 2019
If we are to build a society at peace with itself, we cannot sow seeds of hatred and division. Hate is too heavy a burden to bear, love is the only way.
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) March 15, 2019
My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the victims of the heinous attacks in New Zealand. I stand strongly against all cowardly acts of terror and hate and offer our nation’s support to a country in mourning.
— Johnny Isakson (@SenatorIsakson) March 15, 2019
Heartbreaking news coming out of New Zealand today. The American people stand in solidarity with the people of New Zealand in condemning these murders carried out by terrorists.
— Rep. Austin Scott (@AustinScottGA08) March 15, 2019
I stand in solidarity with the Muslim community. This hatred and violence has no place in our world. pic.twitter.com/Qsm0SFjPOi
— Lucy McBath (@lucymcbath) March 16, 2019
Dozens of other leaders across the globe also spoke out about the tragedy.
@nzpolice
— Ali Al-Reshaid (@AliAlReshaid) March 15, 2019
Unless serious actions are taken against these criminals and serious actions are taken to prevent such crimes in the future, don't be surprised to gain the hate of almost 2 billions people around the world.#christchurch #NewZealand #NewZealandShooting
What has happened in Christchurch is an extraordinary act of unprecedented violence. It has no place in New Zealand. Many of those affected will be members of our migrant communities – New Zealand is their home – they are us.
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) March 15, 2019
My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019
49 human beings. We need to weep over that and commit to change.
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) March 15, 2019
How does rhetoric used by U.S. political leaders contribute to Islamophobia? How do items like a poster connecting a Muslim politician to “forgetting” 9-11 feed hate and bigotry?
Ask and answer the hard questions.
My heart breaks for New Zealand & the global Muslim community. We must continue to fight the perpetuation and normalization of Islamophobia and racism in all its forms.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 15, 2019
White supremacist terrorists must be condemned by leaders everywhere. Their murderous hatred must be stopped.
Attacking people during prayers is absolutely appalling, and Canada strongly condemns today’s shootings in New Zealand. Our thoughts and hearts go out to the victims and their families, and we join New Zealanders and Muslim communities around the world in grieving.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 15, 2019
Shocked and strongly condemn the Christchurch, New Zealand, terrorist attack on mosques. This reaffirms what we have always maintained: that terrorism does not have a religion. Prayers go to the victims and their families.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 15, 2019
Heartbroken & horrified by the white nationalist terrorist attack during Jummah on the mosques and Muslim community in Christchurch. Keeping all affected by this tragedy in my heart and prayers. We need a global response to the global threat of violent white nationalism.
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) March 15, 2019
My heart goes out to the victims of the horrific terror attack in New Zealand.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) March 15, 2019
We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in Christchurch and around the world.
We must defeat the bigotry which fuels such hatred and violence.
49 innocent people were slaughtered in their place of worship during the terrorist attack on Christchurch Mosques.
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) March 15, 2019
We join New Zealand and Muslim communities around the world in condemnation of this evil as we pray for the families of each victim and grieve together.
“Humanity can rise far above these despicable events.”
— David Crowe (@CroweDM) March 15, 2019
I just received this incredibly gracious statement from the Imam Hassan Centre in Sydney. pic.twitter.com/13txiIalST
He is not mentally ill, he is a #terrorist#Christchurch #NewZealandShooting #Christchurch_attack pic.twitter.com/qrJhAVqJGJ
— Imam Hossain Sohel (@Sohel_twit) March 15, 2019
Devastated by the terrorist attack in Christchurch today. My thoughts are with the victims, and my heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones and friends. We stand with New Zealand and its Muslim community. And we stand against terror, extremism, and hate.
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) March 15, 2019
The attack on Muslim worshippers in #Christchurch #NewZealand is pure evil.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) March 15, 2019
Violent extremism of every kind must be condemned,rejected & defeated.
Friends,
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 15, 2019
Morning (Friday) is Jummah, the weekly day of worship for our community of Muslim friends and loved ones.
Be there for them. Check in. Perhaps extend a kind gesture at your local mosque.
There is so much fear and hate.
We must negate it with active, courageous love.
.@SecPompeo: I offer my personal condolences to the nation of New Zealand in the wake of the grotesque mosques attacks in Christchurch. The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the victims and their families. pic.twitter.com/vcJCxAqwEc
— Department of State (@StateDept) March 15, 2019
The Queen has sent the following message to the people of New Zealand.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 15, 2019
I have been deeply saddened by the appalling events in Christchurch today. Prince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives...(1/2)
Michelle and I send our condolences to the people of New Zealand. We grieve with you and the Muslim community. All of us must stand against hatred in all its forms.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 15, 2019
Our hearts and minds are with the peace loving people of New Zealand as they make sense of these cowardice acts. Good will always overcome evil. Our deepest sympathy! https://t.co/EprqsMw1XK#NewZealand #NewZealandShooting #massshooting #humarightsviolation #WorldPeace
— Jay Yarsiah (@jyarsiah1) March 15, 2019
I just went back home, woke up my mom, hugged her, and told her I loved her.
— Shaban K. Samani (@shabanksamani) March 15, 2019
She doesn’t know what happened, yet, so she was a little confused. But in this world of hate and fear, we all need a little love to get us by.#NewZealand
“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You can say I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world can live as one” #ChristchurchMosque #NewZealand
— Shadia Shunnara (@ShadiaShunnara) March 15, 2019
@nzpolice
— Ali Al-Reshaid (@AliAlReshaid) March 15, 2019
Unless serious actions are taken against these criminals and serious actions are taken to prevent such crimes in the future, don't be surprised to gain the hate of almost 2 billions people around the world.#christchurch #NewZealand #NewZealandShooting
What a terrible and tragic thing to read first thing this morning. #NewZealand my thoughts are with you. Warmth and support to the Muslim community there, here, and around the globe. ❤️ #ChristChurch
— Cortney Johnson (@CortneyJohnelle) March 15, 2019
Amplify Muslim voices. Donate to Muslim charities. Love your Muslim neighbors. #Christchurch #NewZealand #TheResistance
— Julia Doughty (@julia_doughty) March 15, 2019
They shot even kids, they should go under hell. #NewZealandShooting
— Chris OC Scott Jr. (@iSoPluggedIn) March 15, 2019
Such a disgusting, terrible & cowardly act. My heart goes out to the ones affected by this. Thoughts & prayers for everyone in Christchurch. #NewZealandShooting #ChristchurchMosqueAttack
— Vidisha Sinha (@vidisha2603) March 15, 2019
My prayers go out to the people of #NewZealand #NewZealandShooting | What is the world coming to.
— Chris OC Scott Jr. (@iSoPluggedIn) March 15, 2019
This is TERRORSIM !!!
— Abdulrahman Samandar (@dhme_24) March 15, 2019
Hello world, we see you watching. What're you going to do?
History never forgets.#NewZealandShooting
About the Author
Nancy Clanton is a lead producer for The AJC's platforms team, but also writes stories about health, travel, events and entertainment. A native of Knoxville and graduate of the University of Tennessee, she has worked at the AJC for 24 years.
