A candle-light vigil is being held this afternoon in downtown Victoria to honour the victims of a deadly mosque shooting in New Zealand that took place on Thursday, (Friday, New Zealand local time).
The ceremony will be held in Centennial Square at 3 p.m., and organizers are inviting everyone to attend and support the Muslim community.
“As a way to stand against Islamophobia, and white supremacy, while also remembering those who were murdered and showing support for their families and communities, this event is to show solidarity with the Muslim community, as well as any other impacted communities,” reads the Facebook event description.
The vigil will include candle lighting and supportive note writing.
One of New Zealand’s “darkest days”
On Thursday, a mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, claimed the lives of 49 people and injured 48 more during the community’s Friday prayers.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden described the shooting as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”, and condemned the act of “unprecedented violence”.
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
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has shared his condolences for all of the victims of the attack, and BC’s legislature has lowered its Canadian flag to half-mast.
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps has also issued a message expressing solidarity with the city’s Muslim community.
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
Canadian flag at #BCLeg fies at half-mast today in memory of all victims of the #NewZealandShooting; our thoughts and condolences to all #Muslim communities #TheyAreUs pic.twitter.com/r7GgBrLTDD
— BC Legislature (@BCLegislature) March 15, 2019
In light of the horrible mosque shootings in New Zealand, I stand in solidarity with our Muslim community against racism, Islamophobia and discrimination and for #diversity, #inclusion and #love.
— Lisa Helps – Victoria Mayor (@lisahelps) March 15, 2019
Vigil for New Zealand mosque shooting
- When: Friday, March 15th, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Centennial Square