Police believe damage to a Winnipeg mosque was likely from an airsoft or pellet gun. Rahma Islamic Centre on Watt Street said it was shot at and damaged Wednesday night. The centre said two people fired shots at the facility from a vehicle before attacking with another weapon that broke windows around 11:30 p.m. It’s also believed the same individuals yelled racial slurs at people gathered at the centre earlier in the day. “Our centre exists to provide a place of community, belonging, and peace. To have that sense of safety violated by what appears to be deliberate acts of violence is profoundly disturbing,” a statement from the centre said. The Winnipeg Police Service Hate Crimes Unit is investigating and have determined the damage was likely caused by an airsoft or pellet gun. Police previously said the damage is estimated at more than $3,000. Investigators are also trying to determine if the same suspects were involved in another incident. Damage was also reported at a home in the 600 block of Roberta Avenue around 10:15 p.m. the same night, and police believe that damage was also caused by an airsoft or pellet gun. “Due to the proximity and time frame of both incidents, investigators are attempting to determine if the incidents are related,” police said in a news release. Speaking outside the centre, where plywood now covers the mosque’s damaged windows, Noris Zeid, second vice-chair of the Manitoba Islamic Association, said the attack has left members of the community fearful. “Emotionally, our community is rocked. A lot of people are not happy in the Muslim community, but also through the wider community, nobody likes seeing this happen,” Zeid said on Friday. “People are fearful. They’re scared for their kids, their families. But at the same time, we’ve been here a long time. We’re strong.” Zeid said the incident won’t keep worshippers away from prayer services. “It’s not going to stop us from worshipping. This is Canada. We are part of the society. We are not going to be going nowhere,” 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 want to do and live our lives.” Zeid also had a message for those responsible. “These people that came and did this are basically people that are cowardice,” Zeid said. “I’d rather you come in and yell and scream and get to know us, and we get to know you. At the end of the day, we want to spread love and joy and happiness throughout this community.” Zeid also thanked the centre’s leadership, Winnipeg police, the city and the provincial government for their support, adding that members of different faiths had gathered at the centre to show solidarity. The hate crime unit continues to investigate and if anyone has information, they are asked to call police or Crime Stoppers. With files from CTV’s Alex Karpa
