Local Muslim community holds prayer gathering for victims of New Zealand mosque shootings

MILWAUKEE COUNTY (CBS 58) -- The Muslim community in southeast Wisconsin is grieving.

A gathering at the Islamic Society Milwaukee Brookfield was held on Friday night to honor the 49 victims gunned down at two mosques in New Zealand.

“It hurts because someone came into our home and gunned people down," said Janan Najeeb, Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition.

Mosques in the area are stepping up their security and police have increased their patrols.

"It's something that has to happen but at the same time it goes against every grain in our being because we are brought up to know these are very welcoming places," said Nabeeb.

But they are not letting fear stifle their faith.

"We will not be detoured by the actions of this terrorist and we are going to continue to be who we are. We are proud to be Muslim," said Munjed Ahmad, Spokesperson for the Islamic Society of Milwaukee. 

They are calling on elected officials to stop using anti-Islam rhetoric.

"We must reject, condemn, and hold those accountable for the rhetoric that encourages this violence even if it comes from the highest office in the land," said Najeeb.

The Islamic Society of Milwaukee is working with Milwaukee and Brookfield Police. MPD says they will be patrolling and supporting the mosques in the area.