An Unarmed 65-Year-Old Muslim Stopped A Gunman From Attacking A Norwegian Mosque

Mohammad Rafiq who is 65-year-old Muslim has been credited for saving Muslims from an attack at a mosque in Norway. The gunman stormed into the mosque on Saturday, a day before Eid Al-Adha, with the intent of carrying out a mass shooting motivated by hatred of Muslims.

Mohammad Rafiq was previously a Pakistani air force officer, before his migration to Norway. After the gunman entered Al-Noor Islamic Centre in Baerum near the Norwegian capital of Oslo, Mohammad Rafiq threw him to the ground before two other men rushed to help him.

The Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg has condemned the incident and the authorities are treating the attack as a suspected act of terrorism. Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Twitter “Norway must fight hatred and anti-Muslim attitudes”.

The suspect, Philip Manshaus, 21, has been charged with homicide and terrorist acts.