Ankara: Canadian police are investigating a possible hate-motivated attack on a mosque in Winnipeg after its leaders said Thursday that shots were fired at the building while community members were inside. The Rahma Islamic Centre reported that two individuals fired at the facility from a vehicle on Wednesday evening before using another weapon to break glass at the building. Fortunately, they were unable to enter the premises, and no one was injured.
According to Anadolu Agency, Winnipeg police received a report of property damage at about 11:30 pm Wednesday (0430GMT, Thursday), as covered by CityNews Winnipeg. Constable Claude Chancy informed the local outlet that multiple windows were shattered, with damages estimated at over $3,000, or about $2,140 in US dollars. Police also received an earlier report of a vehicle passing the center while its occupants shouted racial slurs at people outside.
The major crimes unit and hate crime coordinators of the police department are investigating the incident. No suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made so far. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack, describing it as a violent act of Islamophobia in a post on a US social media platform. He expressed gratitude that no one was injured and offered full support for local law enforcement in their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree also condemned the attack in a post on X, emphasizing that Islamophobia and hate have no place in Canada. He expressed solidarity with the Muslim community in Winnipeg and across Canada, while supporting local security officials in their investigation.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims reported that security footage showed two people approaching the center, with one striking its walls with a blunt object. Bullet holes were later discovered in the building's windows. Community representatives and elected officials are expected to address reporters' questions at the center later Thursday. The group highlighted this incident as yet another example of almost daily violent Islamophobic attacks occurring across Canada in recent weeks.
Source: Anadolu Agency