Worshippers subdue man who allegedly carried out attack at mosque in Mississauga, Ont.
A 24-year-old man allegedly attacked worshippers at a Mississauga mosque during an early morning congregational prayer on Saturday, Peel police say.
Officers responded to the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in the area of McAdam Road and Matheson Boulevard just before 7 a.m. after receiving several 911 calls from members of the mosque.
Police said a man walked into the mosque and allegedly discharged bear spray towards the congregants while wielding a hatchet.
Members of the mosque quickly subdued the man until officers arrived, police said. Some mosque members sustained minor injuries due to the bear spray.
The Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga is seen on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Peel police are investigating after worshippers at the mosque were attacked. (CP24/Kenneth Enlow)
When police arrived, they took the man into custody. The suspect, identified as Mohammad Moiz Omar from Mississauga, has been charged with assault with a weapon, administering a noxious substance with intent to endanger life or cause bodily harm, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, uttering threats, carrying a concealed weapon, and mischief to religious property.
He appeared at a Brampton court later in the day and is being held pending a bail hearing.
Police said they believe the incident was hate-motivated.
“Peel Regional Police take these incidents very seriously. And 12 division Criminal Investigations Bureau will be continuing this investigation and further charges may follow,” Supt. Rob Higgs said.
“At this stage of the investigation, it appears that this was an isolated incident. And Peel police will continue to offer reassurance to the community and the mosque and are providing additional support to those affected by the incident.”
The mosque’s imam, Ibrahim Hindy, wrote on social media that the violent attack took place during the dawn prayer.
“An individual came wielding an ax and carrying numerous other sharp edged weapons, as well as pepper spray,” he said. “Before he could inflict harm on any worshippers, several congregants bravely were able to stop him in his tracks.”
“Our community will never be broken and we refuse to be intimidated.”
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.
“Some very brave men tackled him to the ground and apprehended him until the police came,” she said. “There's a lot of disbelief. A lot to process with just the level of potential violence that could have been caused here today if it wasn't for those very brave men who did what they did.”
“We don't know much about why they did what they did and we're waiting for the police to investigate.”
The Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga is seen on Saturday, March 19, 2022. (CP24/Kenneth Enlow)
Ontario Premier Doug Ford 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.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the attack at the mosque is “incredibly disturbing.”
“I strongly condemn this violence – which has no place in Canada – and I’m keeping the community in my thoughts today. I also want to applaud the courage of those who were there this morning,” he tweeted.
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie said she is shocked and angered by the incident.
“This unprovoked attack on a place of worship is absolutely unacceptable and I strongly condemn it,” Crombie tweeted. “My thoughts are with those injured and the city’s entire Muslim community.”
In a statement, Toronto Mayor John Tory said that any violence against the Muslim community or any community in a place of worship is “totally unacceptable.”
“We stand with the Muslim community in Mississauga, Toronto and across Canada in the wake of this assault,” Tory said.
“Our work to make sure everyone can pray in peace without fear, threats or violence must continue.”
Police are asking 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).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Canada will be absolutely fine': Justin Trudeau, his ministers and Pierre Poilievre congratulate Donald Trump
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and members of his cabinet congratulated Donald Trump Wednesday morning on his second United States presidential election win, amid questions about how the federal government intends to navigate a second term.
What Donald Trump's election victory could mean for Canada
Following president-elect Donald Trump's decisive election victory, there are sure to be significant knock-on effects for Canada. Here's a look at the different areas in which a second Trump presidency may affect Canadians.
Kamala Harris concedes: Here's what she said in her speech
Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris conceded the U.S. election to Republican Donald Trump Wednesday afternoon, telling her supporters that her 'heart is full.'
Canada orders wind up of TikTok's Canadian business, app access to continue
The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok's Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Newfoundland hockey player suspended, banned from local arena after off-ice fight with fan
A combination of a thrown stick and thrown punches have given a senior hockey player in Newfoundland a three-game suspension and an indefinite ban from one of his league's six arenas.
Controversial Australian Olympic breakdancer 'Raygun' retires from competition
Australian breaker Rachael Gunn has told a Sydney radio station that she plans to retire from competition just three months after her unconventional routine at the Paris Olympics led to her being ridiculed and spawned conspiracy theories about how she qualified for the Games.
Sleepy during the day? You may be at higher risk for a pre-dementia syndrome, study finds
If you find yourself sleepy during your daily activities in your older age, you may need to consider it more than an inconvenience — since the fatigue may indicate you’re at higher risk for developing a condition that can lead to dementia, a new study has found.
Kamala Harris made a historic dash for the White House. Here's why she fell short.
"Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn't mean we won't win," U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris said on Wednesday in her concession speech.
Who won the popular vote? U.S. election vote totals from the past 40 years
Donald Trump won the U.S. presidency on Tuesday, and as of Wednesday morning, was also ahead in the popular vote. Historically, though, the candidate with the most votes hasn’t always won the contest.