A terrorist shooting inside the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec mosque in Quebec City has left six people dead and at least eight people injured, according to the Sûreté du Québec.
According to a spokesperson, two suspects had also been taken into custody, after the shooting at the mosque on Sainte-Foy Street near Laval University on Sunday night.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on the shooting in an official statement, calling the attack a “heart-wrenching” display of “senseless violence.”
“We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a centre of worship and refuge,” said Trudeau.
“Muslim-Canadians are an important part of our national fabric, and these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities and country.”
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‘We reject this barbaric violence’
Reacting on Twitter, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said the province categorically rejected “this barbaric violence.”
Le #Québec rejette catégoriquement cette violence barbare. Toute notre solidarité aux proches des victimes, des blessés et à leur famille.
— Philippe Couillard (@phcouillard) January 30, 2017
Translation: “Quebec categorically rejects this barbaric violence. We stand in complete solidarity with the relatives of the victims, the injured and their families.”
He also urged Quebecers to unite against violence.
Unissons-nous contre la violence. Solidarité avec les Québécois de confession musulmane.
— Philippe Couillard (@phcouillard) January 30, 2017
Translation: “Let us unite against violence. We stand in solidarity with Quebec’s Muslims.”
Couillard was on his way to Quebec City at the time of writing.
Referring to the shooting as an “act of terrorism”, he also tweeted to say he had asked the National Assembly of Quebec to fly the flag at half-mast:
À la suite de cet acte terroriste, j’ai demandé à l’#assnat de mettre en berne de notre drapeau du #Québec. #tousunis
— Philippe Couillard (@phcouillard) January 30, 2017
‘The whole city is with you’
Meanwhile, Quebec City Mayor Régis Labeaume issued a statement in French on Facebook, saying Quebec is in mourning tonight. Here is a translation:
“Violence and intolerance, towards anyone, whether groups or individuals, is simply unjustifiable and unacceptable,” wrote Labeaume.
“Above all, my thoughts are with the families of the victims and to everyone at the Sainte-Foy mosque. The whole city is with you and we will be by your side throughout this terrible ordeal, that is beyond reason.
“Let us remain united, as solidarity is the best response to this needless human tragedy. And let us have courage, for we will need it in the days to come.”
‘We must stand together’
New York Mayor Bill Blasio also commented on Twitter, saying his prayers are with the people of Quebec City.
Our prayers tonight are with the people of Quebec City as they deal with a terrible attack on a mosque. We must stand together.
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) January 30, 2017
As well, aid and development charity Islamic Relief Canada issued a statement, saying they condemned the shooting “in the strongest sense of the word.”
CEO Zaid Al-Rawni said that as a British-Yemeni, living in Canada, he knew this country thrives and is stronger because of its diversity.
“I know Canadians of every faith and no faith will be as hurt as the Muslim community is today,” said Al-Rawni.
“This evening, people were killed as they were standing in prayer. Tonight we stand in solidarity with the fallen victims of this crime. We stand in hope that hate will not divide our communities.”
Last June during Ramadan, the head of a pig was left on the doorstep of the same mosque, the Montreal Gazette reported.
Anyone with information regarding this latest attack is urged to contact police at 1-800-659-4264.