Hundreds turn out to pay silent respect to Christchurch's victims of Masjid Al Noor shooting

Sunday, 17 March 2019

Usually a bustling Christchurch city thoroughfare, Deans Ave remained quiet the day after dozens of people were killed in a terrorist attack – even as a huge group walked towards a police cordon to pay their respects.

About 500 people quietly gathered at the avenue on Saturday night, most carrying bouquets of flowers, to pay tribute to those lost in the Masjid Al Noor and Linwood Masjid shootings.

Many came just to place their flowers and leave while others stood, in quiet mourning, for much longer.

About 500 people quietly walked along Deans Ave on Saturday night. Most were carrying bouquets to pay tribute to those lost in the Masjid Al Noor and Linwood Masjid terror attacks.

People of all ages, cultures and backgrounds were among the crowd – some visibly upset and all sombre – a symbol of the massive impact the deaths of 49 innocent people has had on the city.

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Many people were visibly upset and comforted each other at the vigil.

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One by one, hundreds walked to the police cordon on Deans Ave and placed flowers for the fallen.

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Among those paying tribute was Adam Zulkefli, a 22-year-old University of Canterbury student.

Adam Zulkefli, 22, is grateful for the outpouring of support after the shooting in which two of his friends were injured.

Had the university not had its own mosque, he likely would have been with friends at Masjid Al Noor when Brenton Tarrant allegedly entered and began shooting.

His friends, Rahimi and Tarmizi, had graduated last year and were praying at the time.

'They were badly injured and one of them is still [in] surgery,' Zulkefli said.

'His son has [suffered] very serious trauma regarding what's happened because his son was also with him during the Friday prayers. All of us are affected by this.'

The vigil was a sign of solidarity among those who attended. Zulkefli remained scared. It was hard to stay positive but he was grateful for the help he and others had received. That included the university which provided food and transport for students who walked to classes and his gratitude extended to support received from members of the public.

'I just want to say to all locals, thank you for accepting us. Thank you for being nice to us and do not be sorry about this. This is not your fault.

'This is that particular person's only. Help us get through this.

'If you can be strong you can help us to be stronger.'

A separate gathering, called Remember Those Who Lost Their Lives 15-3-19, is planned for Thursday and nearly 5000 people have said they are attending. It will be held in Cathedral Square.