Nicola Sturgeon has joined the global condemnation of the Christchurch mosque shootings that killed 49 people.
In a tweet, the First Minister described the New Zealand terror attack as "beyond awful" and urged Scots to "stand against Islamophobia and all hate."
This is beyond awful. Innocent people being murdered as they worship is horrific and heartbreaking. My thoughts and solidarity are with New Zealand’s Muslim community and all of its people on this dark day. https://t.co/kxXQh4Ao2e
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) March 15, 2019
Sharing a tweet from New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Ms Sturgeon said: "This is beyond awful. Innocent people being murdered as they worship is horrific and heartbreaking. My thoughts and solidarity are with New Zealand’s Muslim community and all of its people on this dark day."
READ MORE: Christchurch shootings: 49 dead after attacks at two New Zealand mosques
She added: "Today, at mosques across Scotland and elsewhere, Muslims will attend Friday prayers. They are a valued part of our diverse and multicultural society. It is terrorists who commit acts such as who offend our values as a society. We must stand against Islamaphobia and all hate."
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf joined the First Minister in condemning the attacks.
Devastating news to wake up to. Terror attack in New Zealand which has left 40 Muslims dead. Theywere simply going about their business praying in their local Mosque. Tell me again that Islamaphobia is just in my head?!
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) March 15, 2019
My thoughts & prayers with those effected by this tragedy. https://t.co/NIsUBWMPoO
He tweeted: "Devastating news to wake up to. Terror attack in New Zealand which has left 40 Muslims dead. They were simply going about their business praying in their local Mosque.
"Tell me again that Islamaphobia is just in my head?! My thoughts & prayers with those effected by this tragedy."
READ MORE: Christchurch shooting: Worldwide condemnation following terror attack
Anas Sarwar MSP, chair of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Tackling Islamophobia, said: “This was a devastating and despicable attack.
"Today, as millions of Muslims attend Friday Prayers across the world, thoughts are with all the victims, their families and friends, and all those hurting.
"Prejudice is on the rise across the world, creating a toxic ‘us versus them’ environment that sows the seeds of hate.
"This terrorist attack is designed to divide our communities, but an attack on one is an attack on all.
"In the aftermath of this distressing tragedy, we must unite and work together to confront hatred. This is not a fight for one individual community; it’s a fight for all of us.”
Prime Minister Theresa May sent “deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand after the horrifying terrorist attack in Christchurch”.
She added: “My thoughts are with all of those affected by this sickening act of violence.”
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Our hearts go out to the people of New Zealand following the news of this terrible act in Christchurch.
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