The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) commends all law enforcement agencies and police departments in Michigan for their swift action providing safety and security assistance to Muslim places of worship in light of the horrific terrorist attack that took place in New Zealand. While there were no specific threats, these measures sought to reassure American Muslims that the government takes seriously their constitutional right to worship free from fear.
AHRC commends the New Zeeland government, police force and particularly its Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern for her exemplary leadership. Her leadership serves as a model of moral leadership in times of extraordinary challenges.
AHRC expresses special appreciation to Dearborn Police Department and Detroit Police Department for their immediate response and for having a crisis response team ready the minute the horrific crime took place. Also, AHRC commends all public officials who condemned the violence and the hateful rhetoric and called for tolerance and civility.
AHRC is concerned about the possibility of copycat attacks against Muslim houses of worship. We urge all those responsible for Muslim houses of worship to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities without any hesitation.
“The New Zealand’s horrific terror act reminds us that terrorism and the hateful and divisive rhetoric that feeds it are still major challenges,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC executive Director. “It is incumbent upon all of us to speak out against hate, and this is especially true as to those in the media and public service whose words can influence millions of people,” continued Hamad. “Let’s all be part of the solution,” concluded Hamad.