MONTREAL — Canadian police are investigating a possible hate-motivated attack on a mosque in Winnipeg after shots were reportedly fired at the building while community members were inside, mosque officials said on Thursday.
No one was injured in the Wednesday night shooting at the Rahma Islamic Centre in the capital of Canada’s Manitoba province.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday denounced the shooting as an “appalling” act of Islamophobia.
“This violent act of Islamophobia is appalling and has no place in Canada. I’m grateful no one was injured,” Carney said on X.
“Law enforcement has my full support as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The National Council of Canadian Muslims said on X that individuals had shot at the center from a vehicle and then attacked it with a “blunt weapon” while community members were gathered inside.
“This is yet another example of what has been literal daily occurrences of similar incidents across the country,” the council said. “Islamophobic violence is reaching a record rate, and is quickly becoming a new norm in Canada.”
Winnipeg police, who are leading the investigation, have not yet identified any suspects or made any arrests.
The Rahma Islamic Centre said in a statement that two people fired at the facility from a vehicle Wednesday evening before using another weapon to break glass at the building, Anadolu agency reported.
“Thankfully, they were unable to enter the premises, and no one was injured,” the center said.
It added that the individuals are believed to be the same attackers who shouted racial slurs at people gathered there earlier in the day.
“This attack has deeply shaken our volunteers, community, children, and staff,” it said. “Our center exists to provide a place of community, belonging, and peace.”
Winnipeg police received a report of property damage at about 11.30 pm Wednesday (0430GMT, Thursday).
“Multiple windows were shattered with damages estimated at over $3,000 (US$2140),” constable Claude Chancy told a local news outlet.
Police also received an earlier report of a vehicle passing the center while its occupants shouted racial slurs at people outside, according to CityNews.
Security footage showed two people approaching the center, with one appearing to strike its walls with a blunt object, while bullet holes were later discovered in the building’s windows.
Canadian police are investigating a possible hate-motivated attack on a mosque in Winnipeg after shots were reportedly fired at the building while community members were inside, mosque officials said on Thursday.
Source: Saudi Gazette