Shippensburg University

Search
Search
News
Multimedia
Sports
Ship Life
Opinion
Subscribe
Entertainment
Send a Tip
Podcasts
Donate

Shippensburg University

°
Full Forecast

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

The Slate

Subscribe

Print Edition

  • News
  • Opinion
  • Ship Life
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Multimedia
  • Send a Tip
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Ship Life
  • Multimedia
  • Podcasts
  • Special Issues
  • Send a Tip
  • Donate
Search

Subscribe

 

4/2/2019, 12:00am

Vigil honors victims of terrorist attack

By Hannah Pollock
Vigil honors victims of terrorist attack
Meghan Schiereck Multimedia Editor
Amadou Kindo (left) and Kanza Amin remember victims of the mass shooting in New Zealand.

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Mail
  • Print

A small group of students gathered outside the Ezra Lehman Memorial Library Thursday to honor and remember the victims of the March 15 terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The vigil, led by Shippensburg University Muslim Student Union members Kanza Amin and Aminala Amadou Kindo, remembered the 50 dead and 50 injured from the attacks, most of whom were Muslims attending religious services in two Christchurch mosques.

“We wanted to organize this event because it affected the Muslim community and wanted to bring light to it at Ship,” Amin explained.  

The vigil began with the readings of two prayers that are often said when a group of people have passed away. 

Amin and Amadou Kindo both prepared speeches to share with supporters. 

Amin encouraged those who were unsure about Muslim culture and religion to ask questions.  

“If you are not sure, just ask. Start a conversation,” she said. “Education is the biggest gateway to bridge the gap between someone who would do something horrific [the attack] and someone who would step up and stop it.”

Amadou Kindo shared how the attacks impacted her, despite being thousands of miles away.  

“I never felt so terrified, I didn’t feel safe. I didn’t want to go outside,” she said. “I felt like going back to my home country.”

Amadou Kindo spoke of “the hurt souls of all Muslims and humanity,” as the attacks claimed people aged 3 to 77 years old. 

“What had they done?” she asked.

Despite her fears, Amadou Kindo said she will remain in America. 

“I won’t let them win, one person will not bring down my love for this place.”

Sophomore Averie Bye-Dickerson came to the vigil to show support for her friend. 

“I think it is important to support each other no matter what religion we are,” she said. “Kanza is a good friend of mine and I will always support my friends.” 

Both Amin and Amadou Kindo read off the name of each victim before holding a moment of silence and saying another prayer.

After the prayer, Amin thanked each student who attended. 

“Hate repeats itself. Charleston, Pittsburgh and now New Zealand. Hate has no boundaries, it just hates,” she said. “But we have come together to show love. By being here, you are all saying how love is stronger.”

Share



Related Stories

MSAQuilt_Jefferson.jpg

SU MSA director Diane Jefferson passes away at 72

By Evan Dillow

Shippensburg University student faces charges following assault in SU dorm

By Evan Dillow

DOGE spending cuts target AmeriCorps, impacting student volunteers and communities across the U.S.

By Evan Dillow


The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.


Most Popular


6/27/2025, 2:32pm

SU MSA director Diane Jefferson passes away at 72

By Evan Dillow


  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Work For Us
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Ship Life
  • Entertainment
  • Sports

All Rights Reserved

© Copyright 2025 The Slate

Powered by Solutions by The State News.