Not specific to this tragedy because not all of the facts are known as of yet.
But I'm comfortable stating fear of the unknown many times can drive people to do things and believe in things that might not happen except for being fearful.
For example, death. The great unknown is probably the #1 motivator of religious belief, actual belief not just because you might have been brought up in a religion.
If your devout in your belief, naturally, other religions might seem to be a threat because if they're right then you must be wrong and that's an impossibility. Ultimately most faith doctrine wants you to have no doubt about whatever religion you practice.
That's why the Bible is read in such a ritualistic manner, resulting in some people marking up their Bible. Ask the question and find the answer in the Bible. It convinces you, that you've followed the correct path.
But I think religion is like a nice sweater. It keeps you all warm and cozy when there's a chill, but if you find a snag and start pulling on it, pretty soon your left with nothing but the chill. At least, that's how it was for me.
I don't have the answers and I don't wish that experience for anybody. It's scary and depressing but also enlightening. You don't find atheists trying to profess or convert people. What you have are atheists defending themselves and their right to be free of all, that is relgious.
Full disclosure, I'm an atheist but Until my 40's I was a faithful practicing Catholic.
Church doctrine is constant so when life seems to be chaotic, what better place to turn to than that cozy sweater.
BTW, I don't believe religions in general are a cult. However, Trumpism is.
Anyway, just my opinion. Believe, don't believe, that's your personal choice. I wish you all well, enjoy the rest of your day.
= new reply since forum marked as read