The victims of last Friday’s terror attack in New Zealand are being remembered in Saint John.
More than 100 people gathered at a vigil in King’s Square on Wednesday evening.
Many carried posters with sayings like “stronger than hate” and “terror will not win.”
Doaa Higazy, one of several women who organized the vigil, says they wanted to show support for the families of the victims.
“I can’t imagine why this is happening now in 2019,” said Higazy. “It’s very, very sad.”
Dozens have gathered in King’s Square in #SaintJohn to remember the victims of last week’s terror attacks in Christchurch. pic.twitter.com/TxXjHX4UXX
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) March 20, 2019
Fifty people were killed when a gunman opened fire at two mosques in the city of Christchurch.
Higazy said the event was also a chance to show newcomers how welcoming and kind Saint John is.
“It’s very nice to get all of these people from different cultures just to say ‘hi, we are here, we are united with each other,'” Higazy said. “It’s a very good message to send around the world.”
A vigil was held in Saint John on March 20, 2019, to remember the victims of the terror attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15, 2019. (Brad Perry/CHSJ News)
Mayor Don Darling was one of several people who spoke at the vigil.
“I’m proud of this community that came out — young and old from different faith backgrounds — to say that we’re not going to give up and that we’re not going to accept hatred and intolerance and divisiveness,” Darling said.
Several members of the Saint John Police Force were also in attendance. In a tweet, they said they wanted to reassure all newcomers that their safety is important to them.
