Islamophobic shooting in Christchurch, NZ

[Koharu]

To go sincerity mode for a moment, if any Muslim forumites want someone to talk to or vent at about this, I always read my PMs.

Ditto. My heart breaks for those personally affected, but also for all Muslims.

[Koharu]

I made the profound mistake of watching the terrorist's video. The most disturbing thing of the many disturbing things about it was that it's remarkable how similar it looks to those stupid video games these people play. I don't expect to have good dreams tonight.

I saw it on accident and now am legit having a big mental breakdown over it. I can't ever unsee those images or unhear the gunshots and screaming. It made me think about my family, I won't even go to Friday prayers tomorrow because of this.

Praying for you and the whole Muslim community today. Please do not let this silence your community. Freedom of religion is so important. Be proud of who you are and stand strong. We are with you.

This. That said, stay home to feel safe if you need to. Don't feel like you have to do anything to prove anything to anyone. Take care of yourself and know that you are loved and there are many of us praying for you.

[Koharu]

Also, another request: Please, please don't watch or share the video or clips of it or anything.

The culprit was a terrorist. The goal was, in addition to the deaths, to cause fear. Watching the video only allows that victory. Just know that the deaths happened: that horror is enough.

Edited to add: The Dangerous Spread of Extremist Manifestos

This article is from February, when we thankfully averted a mass killing. The killing being discussed now was possibly also inspired by the person mentioned in this article.

Hasson is only the latest acolyte that Breivik has attracted in the years since his 2011 attack. Both terrorists and nonideological killers have attempted to emulate him directly, with deadly results. The Newtown shooter Adam Lanza reportedly collected news clippings on Breivik’s attack and other incidents of mass violence before he killed 20 children at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. Other young men, such as the British college student Liam Lyburd, have been inspired to plan or carry out mass shootings based on their admiration for Breivik’s lethality, rather than his beliefs.