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Man arrested after worshippers attacked at Mississauga mosque
3-19-2022
Early this morning during Fajr prayers a man wielding an ax stomped into Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga.
Imam Ibrahim Hindy on his twitter handle described the incident, “Today at the Fajr (dawn prayer) at the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga, our congregants were subject to a violent attack. An individual came wielding an ax and carrying numerous other sharp edged weapons, as well as pepper spray. Before he could inflict harm on any worshippers, several congregants bravely were able to stop him in his tracks. We will be providing further comment as more information becomes available. We urge the Peel Police to continue to investigate all angles. Our community will never be broken and we refuse to be intimidated. Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre Media Contact: 416-908-6141.”
According to the Peel Regional Police they received a call at around 6:57 a.m. about the incident, which took place at the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in the area of McAdam Road and Matheson Boulevard.
Officer said a man walked into the mosque and allegedly discharged bear spray towards the congregation while brandishing a hatchet.
Police said members of the mosque quickly subdued the man until officers arrived. Some mosque members received minor injuries due to the bear spray.
Nadia Hasan, of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, said there were about 20 people in the mosque at the time of the attack. She said the man allegedly sprayed the worshippers while they prayed.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also issued a statement Saturday afternoon condemning the attack.
“I am incredibly grateful for their heroism, and my heart goes out to the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre community who were attacked this morning,” he said.
“There is no place in our province for such evil and hateful acts. We must ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
Peel police remain at the scene, and say a 24-year-old man from Mississauga was taken into custody.
“12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau is considering all possible motivations, including hate-motivation for the incident as charges are pending,” police said. “At this stage of the investigation, it appears to be an isolated incident.”
“Peel police will continue to be present in the area to offer reassurance to the community and the Mosque and provide additional support to those affected by the incident.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police at (905) 453–2121, ext. 1233 or anonymously through Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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