41. Factcheck: Christchurch Terror Attacks on Mosques
- Author:
- Bridge Initiative Team
- Publication Date:
- 04-2023
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- The Bridge Initiative, Georgetown University
- Abstract:
- In March 2019, a white supremacist opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, killing 51 people and live-streaming the entire attack on Facebook. The perpetrator published a manifesto outlining his racist, Islamophobic, and xenophobic views. Following the attack, the Royal Commission of Inquiry highlighted the lack of official resources devoted to countering far-right extremism. In the aftermath, ongoing dialogues between the Muslim community and the government were established, significant changes made to the firearms licensing system, and a global initiative launched to eliminate violent extremist content online.
- Topic:
- Islamophobia, Far Right, Mass Shootings, and Muslims
- Political Geography:
- New Zealand and Christchurch