Washington DC: March 18, 2019. (PCP) The American Sikh Council (ASC) is shocked at the mass murder committed by a ‘white (Christian?) terrorist’ who calmly walked into two separate mosques in the city suburbs of Christchurch on the southern island of New Zealand on Friday, March 15, 2019 and opened fire, killing over 50 innocent worshippers, which included men, women and children of the Muslim faith. Another 50 people were injured in the shootings and out of those injured, 36 people have been hospitalized at a Christchurch Hospital, while two are still in critical condition.

 The suspect, Brenton Harrison Tarrant a white nationalist and an Australian citizen has been arrested and produced in court. It is still not clear whether there were other accomplices as worshippers were killed at two separate mosques.

 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand described white terrorism as, “hav(ing) no place in the world!”

 It was sickening that the white terrorist - Tarrant, live streamed the shooting spree on Facebook Live, across the globe. He had stashed high powered weapons, plenty of ammunition and explosives in his vehicle, which were recovered later.

 Politicians and religious leaders across the world have shown solidarity in condemning this horrific terrorist act.

 President Trump needs take the moral high ground and call out all hateful rhetoric, including complete clarity when speaking about the ‘escalating white terrorism’. Not standing up to hate, only feeds it and a perfect example is when a black female comedian Jess Hilarious had the gall to claim that she felt threatened by the presence of four passengers who happened to be of the Sikh Faith while boarding a plane on Saturday March 16, 2019 – one day after the massacre in New Zealand. All four passengers were removed from the flight! https://www.newsweek.com/jess-hilarious-says-shes-not-racist-after-beingaccusedgettingpassengers1365800?utm_source=TopNews&utm_medium=Feed&utm_campaign=Partnerships  Even airlines have become irresponsible and indirectly allow the hate to thrive, all in the name of security!

 Terrorism must be nipped in the bud regardless of color, creed or religion. No leader anywhere, can or should be condoning any type of hate and violence.

The American Sikh Council (ASC) stands in solidarity with all the Muslims across the world in prayer and condemns this heinous crime in every possible way.

 American Sikh Council (ASC) Vice-President S.Jasbir Kaur stated, “Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the families of the victims of this unspeakable and unprecedented violence by this terrorist.”

 The American Sikh Council (ASC) stands firmly against all kinds of terrorism and especially homegrown terrorists who must be denounced in the strongest possible terms and brought to justice.

 The American Sikh Council (ASC) urges all the Gurdwaras and other Sikh institutions to hold candle light vigils, organize and/or join hands in any local rally being held against hate and bigotry, and continue to educate non-Sikh neighbors about the Sikh message of universal brotherhood/sisterhood to spread peace and inclusiveness as directed by our faith founders.

The American Sikh Council also urges all Sikh Americans to be vigilant and make sure that there are security measures in place for the respective Gurdwaras and the sangats. These are vexing times and it is up to us to be proactive and be prepared to keep our children and everyone safe.