Islamophobic Riots in Sunderland: Mosques and Communities Under Siege

A Day of Fear in Sunderland: The Devastating Islamophobic Riots

The Calm Before the Storm

Imagine sitting in your mosque for evening prayers when the deafening sound of shattered glass interrupts the peace. In an instant, Sunderland, a city known for its unity, descended into chaos as Islamophobic extremists stormed the streets on a terrifying night in June 2024.

Mosques and Communities Targeted

The echoes of hate-filled chants and violent attacks on mosques would mark a day of devastation no one saw coming. The city’s Muslim community was under siege, as hate-fueled rioters launched coordinated assaults on five mosques, causing unimaginable damage and leaving deep scars on the community.

The Time and Setting of the Attack

On Friday, June 28, 2024, at around 9:00 PM, a once peaceful evening transformed into a nightmare. The attackers, estimated to number around 200, wreaked havoc, instilling fear across Sunderland’s Muslim population. Their primary targets were mosques, businesses, and homes associated with the Muslim community.

The Events Unfold: How the Islamophobic Riots Began

Growing Tensions in Sunderland

In the days leading up to June 28, tensions simmered in Sunderland. Unfounded rumors and Islamophobic rhetoric began circulating on social media, stoking fear and anger among far-right extremist groups.

The Role of Social Media in Fomenting Violence

Far-right groups used Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram to propagate misinformation about Sunderland’s Muslim community. The false claim that “Sharia Law zones” had been established in the city triggered outrage. Misguided anger soon morphed into plans for violence.

Planning the Attack: The Role of Encrypted Messaging Apps

As the hate-filled rhetoric spread, Telegram and WhatsApp became platforms for extremists to coordinate their attack. By June 27, plans were in place, and by June 28, the attackers arrived in Sunderland using cars and vans The Muslim community had no idea that violence was looming just around the corner.

The Moment of Attack: Mosques Under Siege

At 9:00 PM on June 28, mosques in Sunderland became targets of a horrifying attack. The Sunderland Central Mosque and Iqra Masjid were the first to be assaulted. Worshippers gathered inside for prayer found themselves surrounded by masked attackers. Rocks, bricks, and petrol bombs were thrown, shattering windows and setting parts of the buildings ablaze.

Eyewitness Accounts: Fear and Terror

Inside the mosque, worshippers faced terror. Z.Ahmed, a 45-year-old local, described the attack:

_“We were praying, and suddenly, we heard loud bangs. Windows shattered, and people began running. The fire was everywhere.”_

F.Mahmood, a father of two, was outside when a petrol bomb exploded near him. He suffered severe burns and was rushed to the hospital, where he remained in critical condition.

Security Forces Overwhelmed: A Delayed Police Response

Security Guards on the Scene

SafeCity Security had deployed 15 security guards to patrol the areas around the mosques, but they were hopelessly outnumbered. J. Peters, one of the guards, recalls the moment they were overwhelmed:

_“We tried to push the attackers back, but they kept coming. We were outnumbered, and they were determined to get inside the mosques.”_

Calls for Help: The Police Response

Calls to the police started coming in at 9:15 PM. Mosque members and residents desperately called for help, but the response was delayed. The first police officers arrived at 9:45 PM, 30 minutes after the riots began, giving the attackers ample time to cause significant damage.

The Impact of the Delayed Response

By the time the police arrived, the situation had spiraled out of control. Five mosques had been attacked, and 25 people were injured, five critically. Among those injured were two SafeCity Security guards who had bravely tried to protect the mosques.

The Extent of the Casualties

F. Mahmood, one of the critically injured, sustained severe burns from a petrol bomb blast. Y. Khan, a survivor, reflected on the chaos:

_“I can’t forget the sound of glass breaking, the smell of smoke, and the shouts. It felt like the world was ending.”_

The Role of Social Media in Inciting Hatred

Social Media as a Catalyst for Violence

What began as false accusations spread online became a full-scale attack on Sunderland’s Muslim community. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter became breeding grounds for Islamophobic rhetoric. Hate groups utilized these platforms to organize their plans, recruit participants, and incite violence.

Encrypted Platforms Used for Coordination

Far-right extremists used Telegram and WhatsApp to coordinate their attack in secret. These platforms allowed rioters to plan and communicate in real-time without being detected by authorities, making it difficult for law enforcement to intervene before the attack began.

The Responsibility of Social Media Platforms

Following the attack, social media platforms faced backlash for failing to curb the spread of hate speech. Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram were criticized for not doing enough to prevent Islamophobia and incitement to violence from flourishing on their platforms.

Community Response: Standing Together in the Face of Hate

Shock and Outrage from Sunderland Residents

For many in Sunderland, life has been changed forever. S. Williams, a non-Muslim resident living near Iqra Masjid, expressed her horror:

_“This isn’t the Sunderland I know. We’ve always lived peacefully. To see this kind of hatred is heartbreaking.”_

Fear and Anxiety in the Muslim Community

The attack has left the city’s Muslim community grappling with deep fear and insecurity. Imran Shah, a local businessman, described the anxiety that now lingers:

_“I used to feel safe walking to the mosque, but now, every time I leave my house, I feel fear.”_

Government Response: Condemnation and Promises of Action

Prime Minister Condemns the Attacks

On June 29, the Prime Minister condemned the violence, calling it “abhorrent” and pledging to take action against hate crimes. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of unity and vowed that those responsible would face justice.

Home Secretary’s Promise of an Inquiry

The Home Secretary announced an urgent inquiry into the use of social media and encrypted apps in planning the attack. She also vowed to hold platforms accountable for enabling hate speech. But the community is demanding more—concrete actions to protect places of worship and prevent future attacks.

The Need for Enhanced Security Measures: Protecting Vulnerable Communities

The Failure of Current Security Measures

The Sunderland riots highlighted the failure of existing security measures around vulnerable religious institutions. SafeCity Security guards did their best, but they were vastly outnumbered. More needs to be done to ensure that such events are prevented in the future.

The Role of ZJ Security in Preventing Future Attacks

This attack underscores the need for comprehensive security measures around religious sites. Companies like ZJ Security specialize in safeguarding vulnerable communities with 24/7 security patrols, advanced surveillance technology, and rapid response teams.

How ZJ Security Can Help

Tailored Security Solutions for Religious Institutions

At ZJ Security, we offer customized security solutions designed to protect places of worship and community centers. With hate crimes on the rise, we ensure that every community feels safe and protected.

Services We Offer

24/7 security patrols to monitor vulnerable sites.
Advanced surveillance system that detect potential threats early.
Rapid response teams trained to handle riots and emergencies.
Collaboration with law enforcement to ensure fast, effective responses.

Why ZJ Security?

With ZJ Security, religious institutions can take proactive steps to prevent future attacks. We help communities feel safe, secure, and protected.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

At ZJ Security, we believe in protecting vulnerable communities. Don’t wait for another tragedy to strike. Contact us today to learn how we can safeguard your community and ensure peace for the future.