05 Mar 2020 | 03:12 AM UTC
New Zealand: Police increase patrols in Christchurch March 4-15
Police in Christchurch increase patrols near two mosques on March 4, following online threats; heightened police presence expected through March 15
Event
Police officials in Christchurch announced on Wednesday, March 4, that additional patrols will be conducted around the Al Noor and Linwood mosques after an online threat was issued against them earlier in the week. According to the local police, an image threatening the Al Noor mosque was distributed on an encrypted messaging service on Sunday, March 1. An investigation into the threat is ongoing and several associated search warrants have been issued in recent days. Additional police officers will be deployed around the two mosques through Sunday, March 15, the one-year anniversary of the shootings at the two mosques that killed 51 people.
A heightened police presence is anticipated in Christchurch over the coming days.
Context
On March 15, 2019, an anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim terrorist attacked the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch, leaving 51 people dead.
Advice
Individuals in Christchurch are advised to keep abreast of the situation, anticipate an increased security presence, report any suspicious objects or activity to the police, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.
