For Immediate Release: Friday 15 March
We mourn the victims of the senseless and vile act that occurred in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is a tragedy – the shockwaves of which are felt, not just in the Muslim communities, but in all our communities.
Members of his Faith Community Advisory Council attended Jummah prayer services throughout the County today as a means of expressing condolences and strengthening our solidarity. I encourage everyone to reach out to Muslim colleagues, friends, and neighbors expressing active concern and support.
Though there is no information about threats in Montgomery County, we’re going to increase police presence at mosques for Friday prayers. Although this was already in the works, I will be announcing the recipients of the $200,000 in security grants for faith-based organizations in the County. We want the faith-based communities to know that they are part of our family; and we understand these threats and we will continue to work with our communities to help address them.