The National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) today expressed its deepest condolences alongside the American Muslim community in response to the tragic Bourbon Street attack that occurred on New Year’s Day. This appalling incident has left several innocent lives lost and others critically affected, and NCAM reaffirmed its longstanding condemnation of Daesh and all extremist groups that foster violence and terror in the name of religion.

Sajida Salman, the Director of NCAM, stated, “We stand united with the American Muslim community in extending our heartfelt condolences to the families of those tragically taken from us in the senseless and horrifying Bourbon Street attack. Our hearts go out to the victims’ loved ones, and we pray for God’s mercy to comfort the families of the deceased, provide healing to the injured, and shield humanity from those who perpetrate such cowardly and heinous acts of mass violence.”

She continued, “If the reports that the perpetrator of this heinous crime had a history of drunk driving, spousal abuse, and a disturbing plan to kill his family before allegedly experiencing visions urging him to join Daesh are accurate, this tragedy only underscores the dangers posed by extremist ideologies. Such individuals, emboldened by cruel, heartless groups like Daesh, show no regard for human life, and their actions continue to be rejected and denounced by the vast majority of the Muslim world. From scholars to mosques, and from organizations to individual Muslims, we collectively distance ourselves from such vile actions. NCAM noted that one of the victims was Kareem Badawi, a Muslim American originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Kareem was a student at the University of Alabama and tragically lost his life during the attack.”

NCAM also reiterated its firm stance against extremism and violence, adding, “We stand in solidarity with the people of New Orleans during this difficult time. We urge anyone with pertinent information to come forward to assist the authorities in their investigation. Furthermore, we continue to pray for the swift and complete recovery of all those impacted by this tragic event.”

For media inquiries, please contact: media@ncam.au

END

Join in the conversation at

National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) acknowledges all First Peoples as the Traditional Custodians throughout the land across Australia, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect the historical and traditional connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have to the land, water, culture and community. We appreciate the importance of the world’s oldest living culture, and support the union of a reconciled Australia. NCAM is committed to ensuring inclusion, equity and equality.