Christchurch terror attack dubbed 'false flag' by some

Conspiracy theories about how mass shootings are orchestrated by the government is not only disrespectful to victims but dulls the enormity of the event.

Flowers and messages of respect are placed in Hagley Park across from the mass shooting scene at the Masjid Al Noor, Christchurch, New Zealand, Saturday March 16, 2019. Picture: MARTIN HUNTER

OPINION

THE world became a sadder place on March 15.

Our newsroom all but stopped and we were glued to three televisions showing different news stations as the horrific Christchurch mosque shootings unfolded.

I had hoped this terrorist attack wouldn't turn into a conspiracy theory, but I guess I was just trying to hold onto hope that there was some humanity and common sense left in the world.

I was recently confronted by a prolific post on Facebook calling the attack a false flag.

Making up wacky conspiracy theories about how mass shootings are orchestrated by the government to push gun reform is not only disrespectful to victims but dulls the enormity of the event.

What does it say about someone's state of mind when they think the government has not only convinced someone to face life in prison for "pretending” to shoot "crisis actors”, but somehow gotten all the victims, the media, the first responders and hospital staff to go along with the cover-up.

What is more likely is that the vile, hateful vitriol of our politicians and the online forums that allow people with these sick views to feel validated and protected has led to the violent execution of people practising their faith.

When an elected official calls Islam a "disease” that we have to "vaccinate against” or blames immigration for the deaths of more than 50 people, it confirms the beliefs of those who spew hate speech.

If certain groups can't learn to have more compassion, I fear for what will happen next.

Originally published as Christchurch terror attack dubbed 'false flag' by some