‘Christchurch 2.0’: Teenage boy arrested after alleged threat of mass shooting at mosque in Edmondson Park

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in Western Australia after allegedly threatening to carry out a “Christchurch 2.0” mass shooting at a mosque in Sydney’s west.

Edmondson Park mosque. Picture: Facebook

A teenage boy has been arrested after allegedly threatening to carry out a “Christchurch 2.0” mass shooting at a mosque in Sydney’s southwest.

The 16-year-old was arrested in Western Australia and was assisting police with inquiries on Tuesday night, just hours after The Daily Telegraph broke news of the alleged threat, which sparked outrage from political and religious leaders.

He is understood to have been taken for questioning but has not yet been charged.

Earlier in the day, the teen had allegedly commented “I’m about to christ church 2.0 this joint” on The Australian Islamic House Masjid’s Instagram page, prompting NSW Police detectives to attend the mosque.

In a statement prior to the boy’s arrest, NSW Police said they had traced the source of the threat to interstate and there were “no ongoing threats to the community”.

NSW Police are urgently investigating a mass shooting threat at The Australian Islamic House Masjid (pictured) in Edmondson Park. Picture: Facebook

The Edmondson Park mosque — which only opened last Friday — issued a media release saying it had “immediately” reported the “disturbing online threat”.

“We are profoundly concerned by this threat and take it with the utmost seriousness,” Australian Islamic House president Mazhar Hadid said.

“Our community deserves to feel safe and protected, just like any other citizen of this country. We call on the authorities to treat this matter with the highest urgency and to ensure that all places of worship are safeguarded against such acts of hatred and violence.

“We also urge the public to remain vigilant and to stand united against Islamophobia and all forms of bigotry.”

The threat to the mosque was a mass shooting event, in a similar vein to those carried out by Australian-born man Brenton Tarrant in Christchurch in 2019.

In those attacks, Tarrant opened fire on innocent worshippers, claiming the lives of 51 people.

The Edmondson Park mosque had expected hundreds of people to flock there nightly to pray during Ramadan.

‘FULL FORCE OF THE LAW’

In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, NSW Premier Chris Minns said the threats would be met with “the full force of the law”.

“I’m advised NSW Police are conducting a major police investigation into a threat to a mosque in Western Sydney,” Mr Minns said.

“This is very distressing, particularly as Muslims right across the state are participating in prayer during the month of Ramadan.

“The NSW Government and NSW Police are taking this very seriously. Racist threats and Islamophobia will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law.”

Sources said it was expected Strike Force Pearl would be carrying out additional patrols in the area to ensure the safety of worshippers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the threats to a mosque in Sydney were “abhorrent”.

“I have been advised there has been a threat of violence against a mosque in Sydney’s southwest,” he said.

“This is abhorrent and there is no place for this in Australia.

“The authorities have my full support as they investigate this matter.

“Those responsible must face the full force of the law. Racism and Islamophobia will not be tolerated.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said “acts designed to intimidate and divide have no place in our society”.

“This threat on our Muslim brothers and sisters is incredibly concerning,” Mr Kamper said.

“The NSW government and the NSW Police Force are taking this matter incredibly seriously.

“Importantly, places of worship should always be a safe haven for our community.

“No matter your ethnicity, religion, or country of birth, we are all bound – first and foremost – by our common commitment to each other as Australians.

“I unequivocally condemn Islamophobia in all its forms.

“We will continue to support our community to ensure they are protected and safe.”

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip said the “Jewish community unequivocally condemns the threat”.

“The alleged threat is appalling and will have caused understandable fear, distress and trauma within the Islamic community,” he said.

“A bigoted attack or threat targeted at any group of Australians is an attack on us all.

“We extend our support to the Islamic community and have spoken with the Australian National Imams Council to directly condemn this incident.”

Originally published as ‘Christchurch 2.0’: Teenage boy arrested after alleged threat of mass shooting at mosque in Edmondson Park