The Prince George’s County Council joins with global voices condemning the massacre that took the lives of 50 Muslim worshippers, and injured 50 others during Friday Prayer at Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand.

This appalling act of terrorism, motivated by hate, is the deadliest mass shooting in modern New Zealand history, and a painful experience for all humanity. We mourn with the families and loved ones of the victims in this tragedy.

In Prince George’s County, where our diversity is our strength, we stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in New Zealand, around the world, and in our own communities. We encourage all Prince Georgians to pause with us to recall the names of the victims, learn their stories, pray for their families, and continue to work for peace and civility in our communities and around the world.

For a rich cultural experience and to learn more about the Muslim community, residents may consider a visit to the Diyanet Center of America, in Lanham. This venue of peace, provides religious and social services to Turkish people and Muslims living in the United States, and serves the entire surrounding community as well, which hosts a significant Muslim population. Nearby, there is also a Mormon church, and Sikh temple – a clear demonstration of our County’s rich diversity, and acknowledgement that love is greater than hate.

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