Freeholders and Sheriff Condemn New Zealand Shootings and Offer Support for Muslim Community
Published on March 18, 2019
Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana and Sheriff James M. Gannon joined a crowd of some 500 people, including numerous political and law enforcement dignitaries, for prayers and a unity walk on Sunday organized by the Morris County Islamic Centers in memory of the 50 victims of the March 15 shootings of worshipping Muslims at two mosques in New Zealand.
(JPG, 27KB) Freeholder Doug Cabana addresses the audience, as Freeholder John Krickus observes
The prayer vigil and march in remembrance of victims drew hundreds to the Jam-E-Masjid Islamic Center in Boonton.
Included were Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, Freeholder John Krickus, and Boonton Mayor Matthew DiLauri, who joined Gul B. Khan, vice president of Jam-E. Masjid Islamic Center, Jam-E-Masjid Islamic Imam Wesley Lebron, and other county Islamic leaders.
In addition, police chiefs from Boonton, Montville and Rockaway also attended the event and assured the gathering of protection on all houses of worship in the county.
(JPG, 2MB) Sheriff Gannon meets with members of the community in Boonton on Sunday
"What occurred in New Zealand is totally not acceptable. Violence of this nature cannot be tolerated in a civilized society,'' said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. "
We stand with the Islamic community, who are our friends and neighbors in Morris County, and offer our prayers for the victims and support of their right to religious freedom.''
Sheriff Gannon, in a statement, said: "No person €“ no matter the race, ethnicity or faith €“ should fear kneeling or bowing their head in prayer nor fear playing at school, dancing at a concert or walking on a sidewalk. Freedom to live without fear or as a target of hate is a desire we all share as people of the human race.
"I join the Morris County Islamic Centers in standing up for peace and denouncing the unforgiveable hatred that led to the murders of 50 people and wounding of at least 20 others in New Zealand.''
On Friday, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp and Butler Police Chief Ciro Chimento, who is president of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, announced that local law enforcement patrols would be increased throughout Morris County the New Zealand attack.
The prosecutor also stressed that his office's Special Enforcement Unit is available to meet with and address any local congregation seeking more information about the increased patrols.