THUNDER BAY – City leaders are standing with the local Muslim community after last week's mass shootings targeting two New Zealand mosques.
Thunder Bay city council on Monday night unanimously passed a motion to express sorrow for the families, victims and survivors of the attack and to express support for members of the city's Muslim community.
An open letter that was included in the motion said city council is heartbroken and horrified by the attack, and condemned what it called a "terrorist atrocity" that was an "act of sheer evil targeting Muslims."
Last week, a 28-year-old Australian described as a white nationalist allegedly opened fire in two mosques in Christchurch, claiming 50 lives and wounding nearly 50 others.
"We stand with our Muslim neighbours against those who practice hate and racism, and those that would target Muslims for acts of discrimination and mass murder, whether in Christchurch or in Quebec City, or here in Thunder Bay. Such acts seek only to destroy life and are enemies of our community and indeed humanity," the letter reads.
"We know you and your community is shaken. We can only imagine the pain, outrage, and deep sense of insecurity you are experiencing at this time. Please know that we stand with you, our Muslim neighbours."
Mayor Bill Mauro attended a vigil for the victims of the Christchurch shooting at the Thunder Bay Masjid last Friday night on behalf of city council.
