In response to the tragic mosque shootings in New Zealand earlier today, the Muslim Society of Guelph is inviting the public to attend prayer services on Friday.
New Zealand police said at least 49 people were killed Friday at two mosques in the picturesque South Island city of Christchurch. More than 20 were seriously wounded in what Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called a "terrorist attack."
One man was arrested and charged with murder in what appeared to be a carefully planned racist attack. Police also defused explosive devices in a car. Two other people were being held in custody and police were trying to determine how they might be involved.
The shootings occurred during Friday afternoon prayers in New Zealand, which was about 8:40 p.m. Thursday local time.
The Muslim Society of Guelph is inviting the public to two prayer services Friday, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and another from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
In 2017, the society invited the public to a service in response to a mosque shooting in Quebec City that killed six men.
—with files from The Canadian Press
‘Significant’ fatalities confirmed after shootings at two Christchurch mosques https://t.co/xQExcp61RV our prayers and thoughts with the families who have lost their loved one. Local community is in shock as Friday begins in Canada
— Muslim Guelph (@MSOFG_SM) March 15, 2019
