(Mississauga, Ontario) — In the early hours of Monday, January 29th, a Mississauga mosque experienced an attack where an individual threw rocks, shattering its windows.
The incident occurred on the seventh anniversary of the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting, adding a disturbing layer to the act of violence. NCCM CEO Stephen Brown expressed concern, emphasizing that the attack on this solemn anniversary serves as a chilling reminder of the persistent threat of violent Islamophobia in Canada.
The incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of mosques and community institutions, underscoring the fact that they remain targets of violence. The surveillance footage from the mosque captured a figure approaching the building, throwing rocks through the windows, and hastily fleeing the scene.
Authorities, including mosque officials and Peel Regional Police, are actively working together to identify and apprehend the individual responsible. For safety and privacy reasons, the specific name and location of the mosque are being withheld. Given the nature of the incident, law enforcement is treating it as a hate crime.
The attack contributes to a worrying trend, with a significant rise in Islamophobic hate incidents, including violent ones, across Canada since October. The community remains vigilant and resilient in the face of such acts, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat intolerance and ensure the safety of places of worship.