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This photograph shows some of the many tributes left at the Wellington Islamic Community mosque in the wake of the attacks on the Masjid Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch by a heavily armed white supremacist during Friday prayer on 15 March 2019, killing 51 people and wounding 40 more (the last victim died in Christchurch Hospital on 2 May). As with many other mosques around New Zealand, an armed police officer stood guard at the Wellington mosque.
There was an instant outpouring of grief and outrage online and in streets throughout New Zealand and around the world, from hastily scrawled graffiti to delicate artworks. In Wellington, people placed flowers, mementoes and messages expressing love and solidarity at the mosque in Lyall Bay. In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the forecourt and fence became a gathering point and a place of solace for both the community and dignatories (Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visited the mosque on Sunday 17 March). By the time of this photograph, the tributes were in the process of being taken inside and sorted.
Such public images and messaging are often seen in the wake of mass violence. They are touching and provide comfort, but are temporary. The work of addressing and challenging racism, Islamophobia and white supremacy continues.