An attack on a place of worship in Winnipeg has prompted a hate crime investigation. The Winnipeg Police hate crimes unit is looking into an assault on a local mosque that took place last night, while people were still inside the building.
According to police, the attack came in more than one stage. Someone drove by and possibly shot at the windows of the mosque, and later two suspects broke more windows using an unknown object.
Investigators also believe the violence was preceded by a confrontation. They say the same suspects had been at the location earlier in the evening, shouting racist comments at people.
Despite the damage and the fear it caused, the community avoided physical harm. No one was injured in the attack, but the imam said everyone was shaken by what had happened at their mosque.
For the congregation, the incident carried echoes of past tragedies. The imam pointed to the memory of the Quebec City mosque attack and the deadly attack in London, Ontario, saying that it is only this week that such a frightening reality came directly to their own community.
In the wake of the attack, authorities have moved to reassure worshippers. Police say they are increasing their patrols around the Islamic center and other mosques in the city as they continue to investigate who was responsible.