This message comes to you today with sadness, a heavy heart, disbelief, anguish and many shed tears. The news of the violent deaths of 49 innocent Muslim worshippers is hard to accept. In addition, another 48 people have been hospitalized.
On behalf of the Salisbury City Council and the City of Salisbury, we extend our deepest condolences to the 49 Muslim families of Christchurch, New Zealand, whose lives have been changed forever. We also offer heartfelt empathy to your entire citizenry whose peace has been marred by this horribly evil and senseless tragedy.
A tragedy such as this, hangs a cloud of fear over Muslims across the globe and our City understands that our local Muslim community has been deeply affected by this violent act. Please know the City of Salisbury grieves with our local Muslim community and we are here to support you.
Unfortunately, we are living in a time in which increased violent activity and hateful speech is being directed at our Muslim and Jewish brothers and sisters. This is wrong and cannot be tolerated. We must stand together and say enough is enough.
To be clear: hate, bigotry, prejudice and fanaticism is not valued by the City of Salisbury and we have a strong contingency of Salisbury residents who stand in solidarity, hope, peace and love with our local Muslim Community and the Muslim Community of Christchurch, New Zealand.