Mosque Targeted in Christchurch Attacks to Install Cameras with Gun Detection AI

Mosque Targeted in Christchurch Attacks to Install Cameras with Gun Detection AI

The Al Noor Masjid, one of the mosques targeted in the deadly Christchurch mosque shootings on March 15, is installing security cameras that use artificial intelligence to detect whether someone is armed.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • May 08, 2019

The Al-Noor Masjid in Christchurch, New Zealand, will soon install an active shooter detection platform, which involves security cameras that use artificial intelligence to detect whether a person is armed. The new equipment is part of a larger effort called the Keep Mosques Safe initiative, which has followed the deadly Christchurch mosque shootings earlier this year that left 51 dead and injured 50 more.

"The mass shooting at the Al-Noor Mosque was an unspeakable tragedy that no community should have to suffer," said Lisa Falzone, co-founder of Athena Security, manufacturer of the detection system. "The Keep Mosques Safe initiative is an important step in giving mosques the tools to better protect themselves from extremist individuals that wish to do them harm, so we can help prevent horrific events like this in the future."

According to Athena, the AI-capable gun detection security system can quickly and accurately detect an active shooter, as well as alert law enforcement officials before a shooter can begin firing. The company created the system as part of efforts to create a computer vision algorithm that would monitor cameras without reporting too many false positive readings.

"When a threat is detected, Athena Security's award winning security system can warn the first responders, any on-site personnel and local authorities within a matter of seconds, bridging a crucial time gap that could mean the difference between life and death," Falzone said in a statement.

The Keep Mosques Safe initiative was started by Fahad A.B. Al-Ameri, CEO of Al-Ameri International, after the Christchurch shootings.

"It gives us a great honor to have created such an initiative that aims to protect innocent worshippers, men, women and children in the houses of worship. After the tragic attack in the Al-Noor Mosque, I reached out to pay my condolences to Brother Shagaf Khan, the President of the Muslim Association of Canterbury as many had done. But, I was also committed to help support the New Zealand Islamic Community and the search started to reach an intelligent system that could help prevent such incidents happening again," said Mr. Fahad.

Athena Security said its security system would be installed at Al-Noor Masjid this week.

The Keep Mosques Safe initiative will pay for the gun detection system to be installed in mosques throughout the world, according to Stuff.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.