Canadian police are investigating a suspected hate-motivated attack on a mosque in Winnipeg after shots were fired at the building while worshippers were inside, community leaders said on Thursday.
The Rahma Islamic Centre said two people opened fire on the mosque from a vehicle on Wednesday evening before using a blunt object to smash windows.
“Thankfully, they were unable to enter the premises, and no one was injured,” the centre said in a statement.
It added that the suspects were believed to be the same individuals who shouted racial slurs at people gathered outside the mosque earlier that day.
“This attack has deeply shaken our volunteers, community, children and staff,” the statement said. “Our centre exists to provide a place of community, belonging and peace.”
Winnipeg police said officers responded to a report of property damage at around 11:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday.
Constable Claude Chancy said multiple windows were shattered, with damage estimated at more than C$3,000 ($2,140). Police are also investigating an earlier report that occupants of a passing vehicle shouted racial slurs at people outside the mosque.
The force’s major crimes unit and hate crime coordinators are leading the investigation. No suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made.
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