Threatening Video Sent to Muslim School in Auckland Believed to Be from Overseas
The video, showing a man with guns shooting randomly, was sent to the principal of Al Madinah School on Sunday night.
A private security company and the school's assistant principal indicated that the email containing the video was sent from an overseas location, RNZ reported on Tuesday.
Both schools reopened on Tuesday with the assistance of a private security company and a police presence.
Police have not confirmed whether the video was sent from within New Zealand and stated that inquiries are ongoing. "We appreciate these situations can be distressing for those within our Muslim communities and police take them seriously," a police statement read. "Police are working alongside our ethnic liaison officers to provide continued support and reassurance to the community during this time."
Read More:
Assistant principal Mohammed Hussein confirmed that the video was not sent from within New Zealand. "Our first priority is making sure the current staff and children at school are safe. As far as the investigation is concerned they are doing their bit and whatever they need from us we are more than happy to help them out with that," he said.
Hussein acknowledged that the closure was frightening for parents, but the school has taken extra steps to provide reassurance. "They were apprehensive and quite panicking, because of the fact the Muslim community itself has previously experienced this trauma. However, we've taken precautions and with getting the police involved quickly, the community itself is feeling quite safe."
Read More:
This is the first time the school has received such a threat. Hussein added, "I don't think we are different to any other school in New Zealand, in terms of [risks]."
Parents dropping their children off at school expressed their concerns but said they were reassured by the security measures and the school's efforts to ensure safety.
Source: Agencies
