Winnipeg Muslim community shocked, speechless about shooting in New Zealand

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“There’s always a concern, if something overseas, we see a rise on social media of hate … it’s always a constant. But what can you do, you cannot stop living,” she said.

The hardest part is talking to her children and grandchildren about it, Siddiqui said.

“You want them to hear it from you but you also want them to feel secure,” she said.

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "You want them to hear it from you but you also want them to feel secure," she said.

After the mosque shooting in Quebec “our children were very frightened to go to the mosque, that’s our place of worship, that’s our sanctuary.”

Leaders in the province’s Muslim community sent out a joint statement Friday morning decrying the senseless attack.

“Whether it is a mosque in Quebec or New Zealand, a church in Charleston or a synagogue in Pittsburgh, terrorism and violence are claiming spaces that are intended for comfort and healing, spiritual growth and community building,” said the Manitoba Islamic Association’s Tasneem Vali.

“We just can’t make sense of it. Our prayers are with all the victims, and with the country of New Zealand.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "We just can't make sense of it. Our prayers are with all the victims, and with the country of New Zealand."

A vigil will be held Friday night at 8 p.m. at the grand mosque in Winnipeg at 2445 Waverley Street.

One man in his late 20s was charged with murder in connection with the incidents, the commissioner of the New Zealand Police said.

1:28 Christchurch shooting: Witnesses recount hiding, running from gunfire

• Christchurch shooting: Witnesses recount hiding, running from gunfire
• Christchurch Shooting: Witness describes seeing dead, injured people inside and outside mosque
• Christchurch shooting: New Zealander says incident has left her terrified, in shock
• Witness describes chaos following shooting at mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand
• Witness describes shooting at Christchurch mosque: ‘I could hear screaming and crying’

Previous Video

Next Video

Three people were arrested — one of them born in Australia — after an active shooter situation led to “significant” fatalities at the mosques during Friday prayers. Police said a fourth person was arrested Friday but that was “not related to these events.”

Winnipeg police issued a statement Friday morning saying they would be taking steps to support the Islamic community in the city.

“Members of the Winnipeg Police Service wish to  extend our condolences to family and friends of the victims of the mass shootings in New Zealand.  Our office has received a number of enquiries regarding our response. The Service has been in contact with members of the Manitoba Islamic Association and will support the community with an increased presence and visibility in the areas surrounding local mosques.”

Canadian politicians offered their condolences and condemnation.

-With files from Malika Karim and Sam Thompson