City of Hayward expresses grief, revulsion over attacks on mosques in New Zealand

HAYWARD, Calif., March 15, 2019—The City of Hayward stands with Muslim people here in our community and the world over in our grief and revulsion over the deaths, injury and trauma resulting from yesterday’s hateful attacks and shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

“We are saddened and sickened, and our hearts go out to our Muslim brothers and sisters and the Islamic faith community,” Mayor Barbara Halliday said Friday on behalf the entire Hayward City Council and City of Hayward government.

“The racism, xenophobia, homophobia and hate espoused by the perpetrators of this and other similar incidents of violence and terror have no place in our community,” Mayor Halliday added.

In response, Hayward Police Chief Mark Koller directed that police officers be dispatched to Hayward mosques to provide assurances and as a demonstration of support for Islamic faith leaders and worshipers.

“We are one of the most diverse cities in the country and our diversity is a source of pride and cultural enrichment,” Chief Koller said.  “The Hayward Police Department is committed to serving and protecting our Muslim community, and we are making that known.”

Hayward City Manager Kelly McAdoo said non-law enforcement city personnel also would be reaching out to Islamic and other faith communities to share resources and discuss strategies for strengthening cross-cultural communication and understanding.

“We are committed to being inclusive, equitable and compassionate as a city government and as a community,” said City Manager McAdoo.  “It is important for us to respond to moments such as this by making sure we are doing everything we can to live up to that commitment.”