Edmonton mosque vandalized with swastika symbol
Police are investigating after an east Edmonton mosque was vandalized with a swastika — and investigators said the incident might be related to two other instances of hate vandalism in the area.
A swastika symbol was discovered Tuesday on the wall of the Baitul Hadi Mosque in the Ottewell neighbourhood, near the corner of 98th Avenue and 71st Street.
It was discovered just nine days after a violent attack left four members of a Muslim family dead in London, Ont.
"We are deeply disturbed by the rising acts of violence against the Muslim community," said Baitul Hadi Mosque Imam Nasir Butt in an email.
"This is not the way of Canadians, and we must work together to combat anti-Muslim sentiment."
Mosque president Humayun Ahmed said the vandalism was reported as soon as it was discovered.
"When we informed the police, they understood the gravity of the situation and they forwarded us to the hate crime unit," Ahmed said.
Police are reviewing security video and Ahmed said officers had been at the mosque for most of the day.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) said the hate crimes unit had been consulted, but the investigation was being led by divisional investigators.
Police say the swastika may have been placed on the mosque as early as April, when two other similar incidents of hate vandalism were reported in the neighourhood, on both a vehicle and a fence.
Investigators believe the same suspect or suspects may be responsible for all three incidents, EPS said.
"Investigating members are in close contact with the Baitul Hadi mosque as they work through the investigation," police said in the emailed statement.
The vandalism comes just days after a violent attack on a Black Muslim woman wearing a hijab in north Edmonton. There have been at least six hate-motivated attacks on Black and racialized Muslim women in Edmonton in recent months.
"We hope that with our local community, our congregation at the mosque, along with all of our neighbours here we will come out of this [united]," said Ahmed.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said on Twitter that it was "hurtful" to see the mosque vandalized.
"I have visited this mosque many times," he said. " A wonderful community made up of proud Canadians who are constantly giving back to our broader community. I hope the hateful vandals responsible for this are identified and face the full legal consequences."
Kenney pointed to new grant program that helps fund security measures to deter hate crimes.
