For Immediate Release: Friday, March 15, 2019
ROCKVILLE, Md., March 15, 2019—Montgomery County Council President Nancy Navarro made the following statement on behalf of the Council in the wake of the hate-filled terror attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand that left 49 people dead and at least 20 individuals seriously injured.
“We stand with our Muslim community during this unimaginably difficult time of grief. Our hearts break for those who lost their lives and were injured during the terror attacks on Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Center in New Zealand during Friday prayer. We also send our deepest condolences to the family members and friends of those who were senseless targets of hate.
“Our houses of worship are sacred places, and we cannot allow them to become places of fear. Last year the Council approved $200,000 in grant funding for faith-based communities targeted by hate crimes to enhance security. We are also requesting grief counselors through the County’s Department of Health and Human Services to aid community members who may need counseling. In addition, today County Executive Elrich announced that there will be increased police presence at mosques, and he will be announcing grant recipients for security enhancements in the faith-based community.
“We stand ready to provide additional assistance as necessary to ensure that all of our residents are safe and can worship freely in our community.”
For more information see County Executive Elrich’s statement here.
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Release ID: 19-100