WA Police have arrested a 16-year-old boy at Eaton in relation to an online threat made to The Australian Islamic House – Masjid Al-Bayt Al-Islami in Sydney’s Edmonson Park yesterday.
In a statement, the mosque said it had received a threat via Instagram earlier on Tuesday, which stated, “I’m about to christ church 2.0 this joint”.
The threat referenced Australian-born Brenton Tarrant’s horrific attack on a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, which claimed the lives of 51 people in 2019.
The 16-year-old boy is currently assisting police with inquiries. In a statement, NSW Police said there were no ongoing threat to the community.
Liverpool City Council Mayor, Ned Mannoun, has strongly condemned the alleged actions of the teenager.
“Only a few days ago our local community gathered to celebrate in joy the opening of the Australian Islamic House, a mosque building project 25 years in the making,” said Mayor Mannoun.
“Today, that joy has been replaced by fear with the threat of a mass murder attack copying the chilling events of Christchurch in 2019 when over 50 innocent worshippers were murdered whilst praying.
“An attack on one Faith is an attack on all Faiths,” he said.
“Council is in contact with the government, police, and the mosque and is ready and willing to assist in any way possible,” he said.
“I ask everyone to please be calm and vigilant. If you see any suspicious behaviour, please report it immediately to Crime Stoppers on
1800 333 000
“It’s important that we all stand together and not allow hate to grow.Whether it be online comments or the violent attacks we have seen happen on Australian Muslims recently, we all have a responsibility to call these actions out.”
