Auckland, New Zealand – Lack of religious support for Ahamed Samsudeen, the LynnMall terror attacker who injured several people in a stabbing at a supermarket in West Auckland, may have played a role in his radicalization and subsequent violent actions, according to a lawyer representing his family. Samsudeen, who had recently been released from prison and was under surveillance, was shot dead by police after the attack.
Auckland Coroner Marcus Elliott is overseeing a hearing to determine the scope of a coronial inquiry into Samsudeen’s death. The family’s lawyer, Max Harris, argued that the inquiry should look into Samsudeen’s treatment in custody and its potential connection to his terror attack.
Samsudeen, a Tamil Muslim who came to New Zealand from Sri Lanka in 2011, was already being monitored by authorities due to his interest in the Islamic State. Despite asking for religious support while in prison, he was unable to see an imam for years, which, according to his family, may have contributed to his frustration and anger towards authorities.
In addition to the lack of religious support, the family called for an investigation into Corrections’ failure to provide Samsudeen with mental health support during his time in custody. Despite suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, Samsudeen did not receive adequate mental health care while in prison.
The family also highlighted the immigration system’s failures in responding to Samsudeen’s mental health issues, dating back to 2013. They urged the coroner to broaden the scope of the inquiry to address the importance of early intervention in cases like Samsudeen’s, emphasizing the need for support for refugees facing mental health challenges.
Survivors of the attack shared their ongoing distress and trauma, describing how everyday events such as visiting the supermarket or hearing sirens trigger severe anxiety. They called for an inquest into the attack to bring public awareness to the lasting impacts it has had on their lives and families.