March 15, 2019

Our statement:

We pray for the victims of the mass shootings that occurred on Friday, March 15 at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque and stand in solidarity with the New Zealand Muslim community as they go through this tragedy. The victims of this act of mass violence were innocent people gathered for their congregational prayers, just as those in Quebec, Pittsburgh and Charleston were.

This type of violence is a direct result of individuals and politicians who exploit social divisions in order to foment fear and hate. Violence of this kind is unacceptable in any country and should be collectively rejected. Nobody should be made to fear to practice their faith or attend their place of worship.

As we work together to meet the demand of this moment, we call on our elected officials to use their platforms to stand together with the American Muslim community, and to stand tall against hate speech. We must deal with the rise of white nationalist terrorism and the threat it poses to our national and human security.

Note: Listen to President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council at 1pm EDT, 10 am PDT --> https://www.scpr.org/listenlive/

Our response:

Solidarity Events

CAIR Press Conference

Engie Mohsin, Policy Programs Manager, spoke at the CAIR press conference held in Washington DC.

Islamic Center of Southern California Press Conference

Salam Al-Marayati stood in solidarity amongst the Mayor of LA and interfaith leaders in the Southern California community. He spoke about the importance of recognizing White Supremecy as terrorism and also addressed importance of denouncing hate and bigotry in our country and across the world. 

Pasadena Vigil

During the Saturday Maghrib prayer, we gathered our supporters and community at the steps of Pasadena City Hall to stand together in solidarity and pray for the 51 innocent lives lost.

MPAC Western New York Press Conference & Vigil

Our WNY Chapter and supporters will be joined by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. They are also joined by many interfaith solidarity groups.

Vigil hosted in Las Vegas to honor the lives lost

RJ Khalaf, CLDP alum, organized a vigil along with the Muslim Community of Southern Nevada, the UNLV Muslim Student Association, and the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada, to honor the lives lost in Christchurch, NZ. 

Media Mentions

• LAPD, LASD Adding Patrols at Mosques Following New Zealand Shootings
• Human Rights Groups Condemn New Zealand Mosque Attacks
• Local Muslim community saddened by New Zealand tragedy, vow vigilance for safety
• Southern California Muslims react to New Zealand massacre: ‘It could have been us’
• ‘One of New Zealand’s darkest days’: The Christchurch mosque attack and what we know so far
• Hundreds Hold Vigil to Stand Up Against Hate, Honor Dead in New Zealand Mosque Shootings
• Islamic Society will hold prayer vigil for New Zealand shooting victims
• How To Fight Islamophobia In America, No Matter Your Faith
• Californians React to Attacks at New Zealand Mosques

What can you do?

To each and every person or organization who has reached out in solidarity since this tragedy occurred, we thank you for your outpouring of love and support for the Muslim community, and all of those impacted by white supremacist violence. If you're seeking to take action, here's what we recommend:

Contribute to the families and community impacted. Click here to make a donation to the official LaunchGood campaign.

Show your support.

• Check in with your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors who are Muslim. Let them know you're there for them.
• Keep showing up at your local mosques and Islamic centers to show your support. Ask how you can volunteer.
• Get your place of worship, school, or club to host a vigil.

Thank you for your camaraderie.

The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) is a non-profit that works to improve policies and perceptions impacting American Muslims. Your support today fuels our tomorrows as we strive to eradicate hate and bigotry for all.