Boise gathers to mourn, stand with New Zealand after horrific mosque shooting

BOISE, Idaho — "We can disagree, but we can't incite violence" was the main message at a gathering today at the Anne Frank Idaho Human Rights Memorial.

The open discussion was inspired in reaction to the deadly mass shooting at two New Zealand Mosques Friday that left 50 people dead.

Dozens of people showed up today to mourn and stand in solidarity with New Zealand.

"I think the biggest thing is we can only control our own actions and above all kind of why we did this today is the need for us to ratchet down the divisive rhetoric because it is the rhetoric that directly incites and leads to violence," said Phillip Thompson, Islamic Center of Boise Outreach Director.

The Islamic Center of Boise spoke out Friday after the shooting, asking visitors to please not come to the mosque today, and thanking the community for their support.

Speakers of different faiths spread the message that it's okay to disagree, but we cross a line when we turn violent. All the speakers spoke about hate promoting violent acts like the New Zealand shootings. They say people of the world can do better.

"The pandemic that I'm speaking of is causing havoc, fear, homophobia, racism confusion and division in our homes, schools, churches, governments and our communities," said Reverend Dr. Michael Ross of St. Paul Baptist Church.

People who attended today's event say this tragedy sparks a lot of fear, because a portion of the shooting was live-streamed on social media platforms. Those platforms are now working to remove that footage.