Auckland, New Zealand – The failure of authorities to provide religious support to the LynnMall terror attacker during his time in custody is under scrutiny, with suggestions that it may have played a role in his radicalization and subsequent violent actions. Ahamed Samsudeen, who arrived in New Zealand from Sri Lanka in 2011 and was granted refugee status, carried out a stabbing attack at a supermarket in West Auckland in September 2021, injuring multiple individuals before being shot dead by the police.
Samsudeen had a history of being monitored by authorities due to his interest in the Islamic State, leading to periods of incarceration and supervised release. Despite seeking religious support while in custody, he reportedly did not have access to an imam for years, which his family believes may have heightened his frustrations and anger towards the authorities and contributed to his radicalization.
The family’s submission to the coronial inquiry also raised concerns about the lack of mental health support provided to Samsudeen, despite him suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. They called for an examination of the immigration system’s response to his mental health issues, highlighting missed opportunities for early intervention that could have potentially prevented the violent attack.
Survivors of the LynnMall knife attack continue to grapple with severe trauma and distress, with triggers such as visits to the supermarket, sirens, and cooking knives evoking anxiety and fear. The traumatic legacy of Samsudeen’s actions has had profound impacts on their lives, affecting their families, relationships, work, and overall well-being.
As the coroner conducts a hearing to determine the scope of the inquiry into Samsudeen’s death, calls for a thorough investigation into the systemic failures that may have contributed to his radicalization and the subsequent attack grow louder. The survivors seek closure and hope that a public inquest will shed light on the events leading up to the tragic incident and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.