New Zealand marked one week since the Christchurch mosque attacks with a nationwide moment of silence and the broadcast of the Islamic call to prayer, the adhan. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led the estimated 5,000 people at the massive prayer service at Hagley Park in front of the Al Noor mosque, the site where most of the victims died.
Prior to the Friday afternoon Jumu’ah prayer, Ardern addressed the crowd, stating, “New Zealand mourns with you. We are one.” A two-minute silence was observed across the country, with people pausing in solidarity as the adhan rang out.
Imam Gamal Fouda, speaking during the service, said, “We are broken-hearted, but we are not broken. We are alive, we are together, we are determined to not let anyone divide us.” Thousands also gathered for the prayers in other cities, including Wellington and Auckland, where many non-Muslims participated, some wearing headscarves in solidarity.
Since the attacks, police have increased security around mosques, with officers in Christchurch wearing green ribbons as a sign of peace and solidarity.
The suspected gunman, Australian Brenton Tarrant, has been charged with one count of murder, and plans for a mass burial of the victims were underway. In response to the attack, Prime Minister Ardern announced plans to ban most military-style semi-automatic and assault rifles, with the policy set for introduction in Parliament by April.
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