Ottawa police say patrols outside Muslim institutions stepped up after shooting in San Diego

The sign outside Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (Aaron Reid/CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Police Service says it is stepping up patrols around mosques and other Muslim institutions following a deadly shooting in San Diego.

Three men were shot and killed at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday. Police say the two teenage suspects took their own lives after the shooting.

In a post on social media, the Ottawa Police Service called the news deeply upsetting.

“We know incidents like this can leave people feeling shaken, especially members of communities who continue to face hate and intolerance,” Ottawa police said.

“To our Muslim community and everyone impacted by this tragedy: you are not alone. Ottawa Police remains committed to working alongside community and faith leaders to help ensure people feel safe, supported, and welcome in our city. An increased police presence will be visible at religious and cultural institutions.”

Ottawa police typically announce an increased presence outside religious institutions following acts of violence globally. In March, police stepped up patrols following the U.S. and Israeli bombings in Iran. In April, police boosted patrols during the Jewish holiday of Passover, following attacks at synagogues in Detroit and Toronto.

Police responded to 358 hate-motivated crimes and incidents last year, a 23 per cent decline from 2024.

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