MA Politicians, Communities Respond To New Zealand Attacks

BOSTON, MA —Politicians and communities across the Commonwealth are reacting to the news that 49 people were killed and dozens more were injured in a terrorist attack at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Congressman Joe Kennedy, appearing at a Newton St. Patrick's political roast Friday morning, made a point of recognizing those lost.

"To be here this morning after what we saw break overnight in New Zealand is a poignant reminder [of America's welcoming immigrant roots]," Kennedy said. "I know we all stand in solidarity with the Muslim community around the world, with those mourning in New Zealand and across the globe."

Kennedy described the attack in New Zealand at two places of worship as "heartbreaking" to reporters afterward. Early reports indicated that one of the men police have in custody broadcast at least part of it live on social media and, in what appears to be a manifesto, said he was following the example of U.S. extremists.

"It's a tragedy," Kennedy said. "I think this administration has an extremely unfortunate history of sowing division rather than trying to tamp it down. I don't think you can put the actions of any individual at the feet of any politician, I don't want to say that...... [But] It's worth the leaders of this country recognizing the fact that our debates here, if not done carefully, are going to have horrifying repercussions around our country and elsewhere."

Former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, now U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, also condemned the shooting.

"No one should have to fear such violence in their place of worship. The American people mourn this tragedy together with our friends in New Zealand," he posted to Twitter.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren and presidential candidate referenced two recent U.S. attacks:

Rep. Ayanna Pressley called on the U.S. to better regulate guns here:

Boston's Mayor Marty Walsh spoke directly to Muslims across the world:

The Islamic Society of Boston said Walsh and Police Commissioner William Gross and interfaith leaders would attend their Friday services in Roxbury.

"In Boston, we are a community that sticks together. Tragedy after tragedy, Bostonians from diverse faiths and backgrounds have come together, supported one another, and spoke out against hate. We do not let fear and hate bully us. We expect nothing less this time. We are Boston Strong," read part of a post on the Islamic Society of Boston's Facebook page.

Several mosques around Greater Boston, including Cambridge have stepped up their security efforts.

In Cambridge, community members of several Jewish Synagogues came to stand outside of the Islamic Society of Boston on Prospect Street during afternoon prayers.

"We just knew we had to be here. This is no different from the type of things that have been happening in the Jewish Community," said Rabbi Emily Mathis of the Tremont Street Shul. "They are our neighbors."

Rabbi Eliana Jacobowitz of Temple B'nai Brith in Somerville and Mathis organized the impromptu solidarity after clearing it with the Islamic Society of Boston's community project manager Karim Razzaz who told them it would be appreciated.

"It's a terrible, terrible tragedy," said Jacobowitz standing outside of the center as the sounds of Friday afternoon prayer filtered onto the street. "After Pittsburg it was really meaningful for our neighbors to show support, and we wanted to make sure our Muslim neighbors are supported, too."

RELATED:

• New Zealand Mosque Attacks: 49 Dead In Christchurch
• We Had To Be Here: Supporters Gather Outside Cambridge Mosque

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Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).