'Chirstchurch 2.0': Threat Targets Newly Inaugurated Western Sydney Mosque

IQNA – Authorities in Australia have launched a major investigation after a disturbing threat was directed at a mosque in Western Sydney.

The Australian Islamic House – Masjid Al-Bayt Al-Islami in Edmondson Park reported receiving an alarming message on Instagram, referencing the 2019 Christchurch mosque attack in New Zealand.

The threat stated: "I'm about to christ church (sic) 2.0 this joint." This phrase appeared to allude to the mass shooting carried out by Australian-born terrorist Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch.

The mosque, which was inaugurated last month, stated that it had immediately alerted authorities, and an investigation was underway. Despite the threat, it confirmed that nightly Ramadan prayers would continue under heightened security measures, The Australian reported on Tuesday. 

“We take this threat seriously. Our community deserves to feel safe, and we urge authorities to act swiftly. We also call on the public to stand united against Islamophobia and hate,” said Mazhar Hadid OAM, the mosque’s president.

New South Wales police have increased their presence in the area following the online threat. A police spokesperson reaffirmed the state’s firm stance against hate crimes, urging victims and witnesses to report such incidents through Crime Stoppers.

NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned the threat, calling it deeply distressing, particularly as it came during the sacred month of Ramadan, which began on Friday.

“Racist threats and Islamophobia will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law,” he said.

The threat comes amid rising anti-Muslim hate crimes and Islamophobic incidents in several countries, including Australia, since the start of war between the Israeli regime and Palestinian resistance groups in October 2023. 

Source: Agencies