New South Wales (NSW) police are currently investigating online threats directed at a mosque in Sydney, believed to be linked to a TikTok account that made references to the 2019 Christchurch shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 51 individuals. The Padstow Mosque has reported receiving a similar threatening comment on a video just yesterday, allegedly from the same social media account.
Police have confirmed that their inquiries regarding the threats to two mosques in southwest Sydney are ongoing, and they suspect a connection between the two incidents. This marks a troubling continuation of threats against places of worship in the region. Recently, a 16-year-old was charged in connection with an earlier threat towards the Australian Islamic House Masjid Mosque located in Edmondson Park. Responding promptly, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb stated that authorities take such threats very seriously; in this instance, the arrest was made merely eight hours after the comments were reported.
A collective of Muslim organisations has expressed their outrage and concern over these incidents, highlighting the anxiety and fear that these threats instigate within the community. They articulate that during this sacred month, members of the Muslim community feel increasingly unsafe congregating in their places of worship. The statement further underscores that the ongoing rise of Islamophobia not only endangers individuals but also jeopardises the social cohesion that is vital for Australian society.
Overall, these incidents reflect a worrying trend of hostility and discrimination, prompting calls for greater vigilance and support for the affected communities during this sensitive period.