Arrest after raid over Al Noor terror threat
A 19-year-old man has been arrested in a police raid relating to a terror threat outside Christchurch’s Al Noor mosque.
The threat was issued on Sunday, two weeks before the March 15 anniversary, on an encrypted messaging app, accompanied by a photo of a masked man in a car outside the mosque.
Police said in statement they executed a search warrant at a Christchurch address yesterday. A number of items were located at the address, including a vehicle. A 19-year-old was charged on an unrelated matter, the statement said, and police were continuing to gather evidence in relation to the Al Noor incident.
The image shows a man wearing dark sunglasses and a balaclava printed with an image of a human skull. The front of the Al Noor mosque can be seen through a car window. In the background, four people are visible at the entrance of the mosque.
The message attached, written in both English and Ukrainian, implies the people at the ‘‘same mosque’’ would be greeting each other for the ‘‘last time’’. A gun emoji, or symbol, is also used in the message. The image was posted on a messaging channel dedicated to celebrating the March 15 terror attack.
The threat was posted anonymously to more than 2000 followers on a messaging channel on the encrypted communication app Telegram.
Canterbury police district commander Superintendent John Price said police were aware a number of people had been sharing the image.
‘‘The further sharing of this image is causing significant distress and anxiety for members of our community.
‘‘This type of imagery has no place in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is abhorrent and will not be tolerated.’’
The image has been referred to the Chief Censor for consideration as to whether it should be classified as objectionable material.
Police have increased patrols around Al Noor and Linwood mosques and will be maintaining a visible presence in the community as the March 15 anniversary approaches.
‘‘I want to thank those members of the community who alerted us to the recent threat against Al Noor mosque,’’ Price said. ‘‘We ask that you continue to remain vigilant, and encourage you to report anything suspicious or concerning to police immediately.’’
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said earlier it was ‘‘hard for me to believe’’ that anyone would threaten the Muslim community in such a way.
‘‘I will be amongst many New Zealanders who will be devastated to see that, as we head towards the one year anniversary of a most horrific terror attack on the Muslim community, that they should then be the target of this kind of activity.’’