The Mongrel Mob is offering to stand guard for Muslims during their Friday prayer - but Kiwi Muslims are asking them to come inside instead.
Waikato Mongrel Mob president Sonny Fatu says his group is willing to defend Hamilton's Jamia Masjid Mosque to prevent another terrorist attack.
- Mongrel Mob member condemns Christchurch terror attack
- Islamic leader 'shattered' as Anglican Minister moves to support Muslims
- Armed police secure mosques nationwide amid fears attack not isolated
Waikato Muslim Association president Dr Asad Mohsin, who spoke to Fatu regarding the offer, says the sign of support gives the Muslim community strength.
"Some people from the Mongrel Mob had been visiting the mosque during the week, and said they wanted to come on Friday, show their support and solidarity," Mohsin told NZME.
"I feel very good, to receive this support from all different sections of society, different interests and dispositions, to come forward and give their love. It all gives us strength to overcome the grief we are undergoing."
But instead of protecting the mosque from the outside, he's asking them to come and join in.
"There are no fears, and we are not scared. They don't have to stand outside the mosque, they can come inside, right behind where the sermon is given," Mohsin told NZME.
"We would love everybody to come, but we don't want anybody to show they are scared. We are not scared. You don't have to stand outside the mosque, we want you to be inside, with us."
It's not the first offer of support from New Zealand gangs. Multiple members from different groups have joined together to show their grief, laying flowers at memorials around the country.
Tanielu Fatu, who claims to be a member speaking for the Mongrel Mob, said in a lengthy post on Facebook it has left Aotearoa "deeply scarred".
"Our Muslim families and communities do not deserve such a violent and ruthless attack to be carried out upon them.
"This militant strike of a monster has displayed a sheer lack of respect for a place of worship and for those who perished in the most horrific way imaginable to mankind."
Newshub.
