Manchester Mosques Under Siege; Security threats risen.

The Night of Terror: An Overview

On Tuesday night, July 2, 2024, at approximately 10:45 PM, Manchester was jolted by a shocking act of violence that left an indelible mark on the city. The Al-Noor Mosque and the Manchester Central Mosque, two of the city’s most prominent religious sites, were targeted in a coordinated and vicious attack. This night, now etched in the memories of many, was not just an assault on these sacred spaces but on the very fabric of Manchester’s multicultural identity.

Coordinated Attack: The Details

The attackers, numbering about 15, were well-organized, arriving at the mosques in three unmarked white vans. The precision with which they executed their plan indicated careful premeditation. Dressed in dark clothing and wearing masks, the men stormed the mosques, wielding baseball bats, crowbars, and crude incendiary devices.

Aim of attackers

They moved swiftly, smashing windows and attempting to breach the main entrances. The attackers’ actions were not random acts of vandalism but targeted aggression, aimed at instilling fear and causing as much destruction as possible within a short time frame.

Security on Duty: A Brave but Outnumbered Defense

On that fateful night, six security guards were stationed at the two mosques, provided by Shield Security Services, a local firm with a solid reputation for protecting religious and community sites. These guards, though outnumbered and caught off guard by the suddenness of the attack, acted with commendable courage. They quickly moved to secure the mosques’ entrances and protect those inside.

Brave Role of Mr. Khan

Ahmed Khan, one of the guards, played a pivotal role in delaying the attackers, sustaining a severe head injury in the process. His bravery and quick thinking, along with that of his colleagues, prevented the situation from escalating even further.

The Police Response: A Critical Delay

The first call to the police was made at 10:48 PM, just three minutes after the attack began. Despite the urgency, the police did not arrive until 11:10 PM—25 minutes after the attack had started. This delay allowed the attackers to carry out their destructive actions with impunity before making their escape.

Consequences of the Delay on Police reputation

The response time has become a point of significant controversy, with many in the community questioning why it took so long for law enforcement to arrive. This incident has sparked a broader discussion about police resources, response times, and the prioritization of hate crimes.

The Aftermath: Immediate Reactions and Casualties

In the aftermath of the attack, the scene was one of devastation. While no lives were lost, four individuals sustained injuries, two of whom were elderly worshippers who had been inside the Manchester Central Mosque. These victims were taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where they were treated and later released.

Damage to the building

The physical damage to the mosques was extensive, with shattered windows, scorched walls, and debris scattered across the premises. Beyond the physical damage, the psychological impact on the worshippers and the broader community was profound, leaving many feeling vulnerable and fearful.

Community Resilience: Standing Strong in the Face of Hate

Despite the shock and fear, the response from the Manchester community was one of resilience and unity. Within hours of the attack, local residents and community leaders began organizing vigils to show solidarity with the Muslim community.

Sarah Williams, a resident of Manchester for over 30 years, was among the first to offer support. “This act of violence is not who we are as a city,” she said. “We are a community that values diversity and mutual respect, and we will not allow hate to tear us apart.”

The Background: Understanding the Rising Tensions

Reasons Behind Islamophobic Terrorism

First, we have to understand the background reasons for these riots and islamophobia movements in the UK, which ultimately turn into racial movements and affect every non-British, non-white community. The rise in Islamophobic terrorism in the UK can be attributed to a combination of social, political, and economic factors, each contributing to an environment where hate and violence can flourish

Beginning of the incident

The violence began after three young girls – nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and six-year-old Bebe King – were tragically stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed summer camp in Southport.

Aftershocks of Feuling Tension

Following a peaceful vigil held by the grieving northern English town, far-right extremists disrupted the peace, causing chaos for a week. Conspiracy theorists quickly spread the false claim that the attacker was a Muslim and a migrant.

Truth Unveiled

However, this was not true. The suspect, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, was identified by the courts, despite normally being entitled to anonymity due to his age. Rudakubana is a British national born in Wales to Christian parents from Rwanda. Although efforts were made to correct the misinformation, the damage had already been done.

Role of Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword

Social media played a dual role in this tragic event. On one hand, it served as the breeding ground for the hate that fueled the attack. The algorithms of major platforms, designed to prioritize engagement, often amplify divisive content, leading to an echo chamber effect where extreme views become more extreme.

On the other hand, social media also became a tool for organizing a response. Almost immediately after the attack, local community groups used these same platforms to organize vigils, spread messages of solidarity, and call for calm and unity.

The Role of the UK Government and Society

The UK government and society must combat far-right extremism by enhancing security, strengthening police responses to hate crimes, and regulating online hate speech. Beyond government action, community leaders and citizens must promote unity and understanding to build a more resilient, inclusive society that prevents violence and protects vulnerable communities.

Condemnation and Response

In the aftermath of the London Mosque attack, the UK government and various political leaders were quick to condemn the violence. Prime Minister Emma Robertson released a statement, saying, “This attack on a place of worship is an attack on all of us. We stand with the Muslim community and will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice.”

Public Outcry: Citizens Stand United

The public response to the attack has been overwhelmingly supportive of the Muslim community. Social media, which had initially been a tool for spreading hate, became a platform for solidarity and unity in the aftermath. Hashtags such as #WeStandWithManchester and #NoToHate began trending, with thousands of people across the UK and beyond expressing their condemnation of the violence.

Enhancing Security: Immediate Measures Taken

In the wake of the attack, immediate steps were taken to bolster security at the affected mosques and other religious sites in Manchester. Shield Security Services increased the number of guards at both mosques, ensuring that there was round-the-clock protection.

In addition, there should be upgrading of security infrastructure. This includes the installation of more advanced CCTV systems, reinforced barriers, and the introduction of regular security patrols in the vicinity of the mosques.

Long-Term Security Measures: Building a Safer Community

Beyond the immediate response, there has been a concerted effort to implement long-term security measures to protect the community. This includes not only physical security upgrades but also initiatives aimed at building stronger relationships between different communities in Manchester.

The local government, in collaboration with law enforcement and community organizations, is working to develop programs that foster interfaith dialogue and promote understanding. These initiatives are seen as crucial in addressing the underlying tensions that can lead to such acts of violence.

Conclusion: Standing Strong Against Hate

As Manchester continues to recover from the trauma of that violent night, it is clear that the fight against hate is far from over. The events of July 2, 2024, serve as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by intolerance and the importance of remaining vigilant. By strengthening our security measures, fostering unity, and standing together, we can protect our communities and build a safer, more inclusive future.

ZJ Security: Your Partner in Safety and Security

In an era where hate crimes and violence are increasingly common, the need for reliable security solutions has never been more critical. ZJ Security is committed to providing comprehensive protection services tailored to the unique needs of each client. Whether you are a place of worship, a business, or a residential community, we offer a range of security options designed to keep you safe.

Our highly trained security personnel, combined with state-of-the-art technology, ensure that you receive the highest level of protection. We work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and develop customized security plans that provide peace of mind.

Call to Action: Contact us Now

If you are concerned about the safety of your community or place of worship, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact ZJ Security today to learn how we can help you prevent such incidents and ensure the safety and security of those you care about most. Together, we can stand strong against hate and violence.