Gatineau police say a man is facing charges after allegedly threatening a mosque in Aylmer, Que. According to a statement from Gatineau police spokesperson Patrick Kenney, after receiving reports of a threat made against a mosque in Aylmer, officers carried out a search warrant on a Maclaren Street East home in Gatineau on Tuesday. Kenney says the search resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old man and the seizure of two cell phones, computer equipment, four air guns, a slingshot and a .22 calibre firearm. The man is facing charges of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, Kenney said. In a statement, Imam Sikander Hashmi, executive director of the Canadian Council of Imams, said the alleged incident “underscores a troubling reality reflected in recent years of rising hate-motivated violence targeting Canadian mosques.” “No community in Canada should ever have to wonder whether their place of worship is safe,” Hashmi said. “While our mosques remain open places of peace, prayer, and service, this is a reminder that vigilance is not optional in today’s world.” Police say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges haven’t been ruled out.
