Phoenix Mosque Threatened Day After New Zealand Attacks: Police

PHOENIX, AZ — An Arizona man is accused of intimidating and threatening worshippers at a Phoenix mosque a day after 50 people were killed at two mosques in New Zealand. Noel Thomas Becht, 40, entered the United Islamic Center of Arizona about 7:30 p.m. Saturday, asked questions about Islam and then asked if he could sit in on a prayer service, Phoenix police said.

Becht then began wandering about the mosque and entering rooms and areas that were restricted without an invitation and asked about the worship schedule at the mosque and one in nearby Tempe. When questioned about why he was there and what his interest was in Islam, Becht “put his finger to his neck and made a sawing motion,” police said.

He was arrested on charges of trespassing, disorderly conduct, and threatening and intimidating. Phoenix police said in a statement that Becht was charged “based upon the totality of the circumstances.”

He remained in the Maricopa County Jail on Monday.

Following Becht’s arrest, police increased their patrols around Phoenix area mosques.

“We remind everyone to contact the police if you observe suspicious behavior,” Phoenix police said in the statement. “If you see something, say something.”

Security was beefed up at mosques around the country following the attacks at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday. In a manifesto, the suspected New Zealand killer reportedly espoused white nationalist views and said he was following the example of extremists like Dylann Roof, who killed nine people at a black church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015.

In a Facebook post, United Islamic Center of Arizona leaders expressed their gratitude to Phoenix police and the community at large for their support.

“After the recent incident that occurred on Saturday night at UICA, we have seen the true strength and the unity that are present in our community and elsewhere. Muslims and non-Muslims alike came to show us their support and to work hand-in-hand with us to unroot hate, radicalism and supremacy of all forms,” the post read.

“We also take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Phoenix Police Department and their other squad units, for the excellent support and dedication and for being present with us during this difficult time.”

Vigils were held throughout the Valley this past weekend to remember the victims of the attacks in New Zealand. The shootings were the worst in modern history in that country.