A tragic shooting incident took place in a Quebec’s mosque on Sunday, 29th January. The shooting resulted in six people losing their lives, as reported by the Quebec Provincial Police.
The shooting also resulted in injuring eight people. The attack took place in Quebec’s Islamic Cultural Center.
Investigation into Quebec Mosque Shootings
The police are investigating the crime against Muslim community living in Quebec. The police take this incident as a “terrorist attack on Muslims”.
The police have already arrested two suspects but no further details have been revealed about their identities or what actually prompted this horrific act of barbarism.
The initial report coming in quoted the mosque’s president saying five people were killed in this attack.
Account of shooting incident Eye Witnesses
An eye witness present the scene said that there were around three gunmen who fired at 40 people praying at the time inside the Quebec City Islamic Heritage Centre. Police on the other hand said that there were two attackers involved in this incident.
The people who lost their lives were between ages of 35 and 70. The spokeswoman for Quebec provincial police said that 8 people were wounded and 39 were unharmed.
Mosque’s president Mr. Mohamed Yangui was not present inside the mosque at the time of the attack.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Response to Quebec Mosque Attack
The Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Justin Trudeau strongly responded to the attacks saying.
“We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a center of worship and refuge”.
He acknowledged the importance of Muslim community in the Canadian society.
“Muslim-Canadians are an important part of our national fabric, and these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities and country.”
This shooting comes at a time when PM of Canada has said that his country would welcome refugees, in response to US President Donald Trump’s suspension of the US Refugee Program and temporary ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries.
A Canadian federal Liberal legislator Greg Fergus said,
“This is an act of terrorism — the result of years of sermonizing Muslims. Words matter and hateful speeches have consequences!”
Phillipe Collard, premiere of Quebec showed solidarity with the Muslim community of Quebec, saying,
“We are with you. You are home,” Couillard directed his comments at the province’s Muslim community. “You are welcome in your home. We are all Quebecers. We must continue together to build an open welcoming and peaceful society”.
