Warning: Graphic content WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Police Service is investigating a suspected hate crime after a local mosque was targeted earlier this week. The WPS believe the damage to the Rahma Islamic Centre was likely caused by an airsoft or pellet gun. According to the centre, two people fired multiple shots from a vehicle at the building Wednesday night, before using another object to smash several windows. Glass around the mosque remains shattered on the ground, and the windows which were smashed have been boarded up. The centre also reported that the same individuals had shouted racial slurs at people gathered outside earlier that day. “The WPS is treating the incident as a potential hate-motivated crime involving both property damage and the reported discharge of a firearm at a mosque,” police said in a news release, adding that they will “to increase its presence and patrols in and around the Rahma Islamic Centre and other area mosques.” No one was injured in the incident. Police estimate the damage is estimated to be around $3,000. ‘Very unfortunate what happened’ The incident has sent shockwaves throughout Winnipeg’s Muslim community. Noris Zeid was appalled when he heard what happened. “Nobody likes seeing this happen,” said Zeid, second vice-chair of the Manitoba Islamic Association (MIA). “People are fearful, they are scared for their kids, their families.” Zeid says many folks in the Muslim community, including himself, are not happy with what happened. “Emotionally, our community is rocked,” he said. “It’s disgusting and puts a lot of fear in the community.” Feisal Adem, the centre’s director and imam, says congregation members were peacefully gathered for prayer when the frightening incident took place. “The peace and sense of security our members once felt have been deeply shaken by this incident,” Adem said at a news conference Thursday. “We hope that those responsible will be identified and held accountable for their actions.” Political response Several officials have condemned the incident on social media. During the news conference, Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy said the province would fund the repairs for the centre. Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham called the incident “deeply troubling.” “There is no place in Winnipeg for hate, intimidation or Islamophobia,” Gillingham wrote on Facebook. “No one should feel unsafe in a place of worship or community gathering.” Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed Gillingham’s statement. “I’m grateful no one was injured. Law enforcement has my full support as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Carney wrote. At this time, no one has been arrested or charged. In 2017, six people were killed and many others were injured in an attack at a mosque in Quebec, and in 2021, a truck attack killed four members of a Muslim family in London, Ont. Muslim community ‘not going to be deterred’ Shahina Siddiqui, executive director of the Islamic Social Services Association in Winnipeg, says hearing about this incident was a complete shock for her. “It always brings back memories of the same kind of attacks that have happened, and it gives a lot of anxiety,” Siddiqui said. “You want to be feeling safe, especially in the places of worship, which are supposed to be sanctuaries, and facing hate in this obscene way.” Despite this attack, Zeid says his community will not be intimidated or discouraged from worshipping. “We are part of this society. We are not going to be going nowhere. If people know Winnipeggers and know Manitobans, they know that we’re not going to be deterred by this,” Zeid said. “We’re going to be cautious; we’re going to be extra careful, but at the end of the day, we’re going to do what we’re going to want to do and to live our lives.”
