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Friday, March 29, 2024

Police Step Up Patrols Around U.S. Mosques After Massacre of New Zealand Muslims

Patrols were increased around neighborhood mosques after at least 49 people were slain in coordinated attacks today in Christchurch, New Zealand.

“The LAPD is monitoring the horrific events unfolding in Christchurch, New Zealand,” the LAPD tweeted. “While this attack appears to be an isolated incident with no nexus to LA, out of an abundance of caution we’re providing extra patrols around mosques. Our thoughts & prayers are with all affected.”

The New York Police Department also stepped up security at mosques around the city while “closely monitoring” the Christchurch massacre.

“The people of New Zealand are in the hearts and minds of New York City,” Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted. “Our love and prayers are with all impacted by the horrific attack at these mosques.”

Other localities around the globe expressed similar concern and caution after the mosque attacks that were called right-wing terrorism by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. One of the three suspects confirmed to be in custody is Australian.

NSW Police issued a message assuring the public “there is no ongoing or specific threat to any mosque or place of worship in Sydney or across New South Wales.”

One apparent gunman posted a lengthy stream of tweets on March 12 complaining about a lack of white births and about Muslim migration to Europe. He also posted multiple photos of threats written on a gun and magazines including “Here’s your migration compact!” and “14,” likely referring to the white supremacist “14 words” slogan. The name of 2017 Quebec City mosque shooter Alexandre Bissonnette was also among the graffiti written on guns. His last tweet today included multiple links to a manifesto that included many references to U.S. politics and said two years’ of planning went into the attacks.

One unidentified male in his 20s has been charged with murder, Police Commissioner Mike Bush said, calling it a “very well planned event.”

Bush said at least two improvised explosive devices had been found on a vehicle and were being defused.

At least several dozen people were wounded. One gunman livestreamed the attack on Facebook via a body camera; social media services scrambled to remove copies of the 17-minute video.

“We have staff around the country making sure everyone is safe, including armed officers at all mosques,” Bush told reporters. “Police staff have gone above and beyond to protect people today.”

Tweeted the New Zealand Police: “We have asked all mosques nationally to shut their doors, and advise that people refrain from visiting these premises until further notice.”

Police Step Up Patrols Around U.S. Mosques After Massacre of New Zealand Muslims Homeland Security Today
Bridget Johnson
Bridget Johnson is the Managing Editor for Homeland Security Today. A veteran journalist whose news articles and analyses have run in dozens of news outlets across the globe, Bridget first came to Washington to be online editor and a foreign policy writer at The Hill. Previously she was an editorial board member at the Rocky Mountain News and syndicated nation/world news columnist at the Los Angeles Daily News. Bridget is a terrorism analyst and security consultant with a specialty in online open-source extremist propaganda, incitement, recruitment, and training. She hosts and presents in Homeland Security Today law enforcement training webinars studying a range of counterterrorism topics including conspiracy theory extremism, complex coordinated attacks, critical infrastructure attacks, arson terrorism, drone and venue threats, antisemitism and white supremacists, anti-government extremism, and WMD threats. She is a Senior Risk Analyst for Gate 15 and a private investigator. Bridget is an NPR on-air contributor and has contributed to USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, New York Observer, National Review Online, Politico, New York Daily News, The Jerusalem Post, The Hill, Washington Times, RealClearWorld and more, and has myriad television and radio credits including Al-Jazeera, BBC and SiriusXM.
Bridget Johnson
Bridget Johnson
Bridget Johnson is the Managing Editor for Homeland Security Today. A veteran journalist whose news articles and analyses have run in dozens of news outlets across the globe, Bridget first came to Washington to be online editor and a foreign policy writer at The Hill. Previously she was an editorial board member at the Rocky Mountain News and syndicated nation/world news columnist at the Los Angeles Daily News. Bridget is a terrorism analyst and security consultant with a specialty in online open-source extremist propaganda, incitement, recruitment, and training. She hosts and presents in Homeland Security Today law enforcement training webinars studying a range of counterterrorism topics including conspiracy theory extremism, complex coordinated attacks, critical infrastructure attacks, arson terrorism, drone and venue threats, antisemitism and white supremacists, anti-government extremism, and WMD threats. She is a Senior Risk Analyst for Gate 15 and a private investigator. Bridget is an NPR on-air contributor and has contributed to USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, New York Observer, National Review Online, Politico, New York Daily News, The Jerusalem Post, The Hill, Washington Times, RealClearWorld and more, and has myriad television and radio credits including Al-Jazeera, BBC and SiriusXM.

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