Falls Church Mosque To Host Vigil For New Zealand Victims

FALLS CHURCH, VA — In the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in New Zealand, mosques throughout the Washington, DC, area boosted security for Friday prayers, and at least one local mosque planned to host a solidarity vigil for Saturday.

The Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center has invited the public to a vigil from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Saturday at the mosque at 3159 Row St. in the Falls Church area, off Leesburg Pike.

As worshipers met there for Friday prayers, Dar Al-Hijrah released a statement condemning the attack and asking for prayers for the victims:

"Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center condemns in the strongest of terms the horrific terror attack against Muslim houses of worship in New Zealand today. The Terror attack has left 49 dead and many injured. Preventing worshippers of any faith from worshiping and terrorizing them in a sanctuary intended for the remembrance of the Almighty is particularly heinous.

"We are reminded in these circumstances that this terrorist attack is a product of the hate mongering, xenophobic, and bigoted rhetoric by some politicians and media throughout the world. We pray for our brothers and sisters in New Zealand, their families, and all those who have fallen victim to this attack. And we challenge our President to condemn all types of hate and supremacy and begin a conversation towards healing the divide."

SEE ALSO: New Zealand Attack: Increased Security At U.S. Mosques

At least 49 people were killed and dozens more were wounded during terrorist attacks at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, CNN reported. Four people were arrested in connection with the shootings, according to New Zealand Police.

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