At least two vigils are planned in the GTA on Friday to remember the victims of the horrific mass shootings at two mosques in New Zealand killing at least 49 people.The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada at 10610 Jane St. in York Region is hosting a special prayer vigil at its Friday afternoon service at 1:15 p.m. “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at is deeply saddened by the horrific attacks that took place on two mosques in New Zealand,” the organization wrote in a news release.In downtown Toronto, the group TorontoMuslims.com is hosting a vigil at Nathan Phillips Square on Friday at 6 p.m. By noontime, more than 330 people had indicated they would attend on the Facebook event page. Ausma Malik, director of social engagement at the Atkinson Foundation, said the attack was “absolutely heartbreaking and devastating” and offered prayers and solidarity in a Twitter post. “Yet again, in the face of incomprehensible hate and violence, we will — and we must — love and protect each other,” Malik said.City Hall’s Toronto sign will be dimmed “to mourn the victims of the vicious terror attack in #Christchurch,” Mayor John Tory tweeted.The National Council of Canadian Muslims is advising mosques and Muslim institutions around the country to review security measures before Friday’s worship services. Toronto police said they are actively monitoring for potential threats in the city.Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook said police have made no definitive moves to enhance their presence or security at mosques or other Muslim institutions. She said police are keeping tabs on both international and local developments. “The Toronto Police Service continuously monitors security issues within the city of Toronto and around the world,” police said in an emailed statement. “In response, we make the appropriate adjustments to our plans in order to mitigate the potential risks to public safety.”Minister of Pu ...
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