On Tuesday, an unidentified man set fire to Imam Reza mosque in New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand, prompting a police investigation.
Authorities reported that CCTV footage captured the suspect breaking into the Imam Reza Mosque just before 1 a.m. local time, where he later ignited a fire. The blaze continued for eight hours before emergency services were notified.
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Police are exploring possible motives, though they have not yet determined if the incident was hate-related.
The mosque’s leaders expressed shock but affirmed their resilience, stating on social media, “Some attempted to harm us and shake the foundations of our sacred space.” They emphasized, “Our mosque is more than a building; it is a beacon of light, worship, and hope.”
The attack has brought renewed attention to the Christchurch tragedy, where 51 people were killed in a mass shooting during Friday prayers.
