'It hurts': Swastika vandalism discovered on Edmonton mosque
Warning: This article contains an image readers may find disturbing.
Vandalism in the form of a swastika was discovered on the Baitul Hadi Mosque in east Edmonton Tuesday morning.
The vandalism was discovered by a neighbour, according to Nasir Mahmood Butt, the imam at the mosque.
“It hurts,” said Butt. “Differences are always there, in the community and in the society, but to solve those differences, the way is discussion and dialogue… this is not that.”
He said Tuesday evening police believed the paint is the same that was used in other cases of vandalism in the area, but that it wasn't clear how long it had been there on the second storey of the building.
An Edmonton Police Service spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday it could have been painted as early as April.
"In April, two other similar incidents of hate vandalism were reported to the EPS within the same neighbourhood, on both a vehicle and a fence. Investigators believe the same suspect(s) may be responsible for all three instances," Cheryl Sheppard wrote in a statement.
"The EPS Hate Crimes and Violent Extremism Unit has been made aware and are being consulted; however, the investigation remains with divisional investigators at this time."
A swastika was found painted on a mosque, it's not clear how long it's been there. Tuesday June 15, 2021 (CTV News Edmonton)
Premier Jason Kenney denounced the discovery, noting he hoped "the hateful vandals responsible for this are identified and face the full legal consequences."
Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson said he was disturbed and angered to learn of the vandalism: "These acts of ate must stop -- our Muslims community deserves to feel safe and welcome in our city. Full stop."
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Canada in a statement called on all Canadians to work together to combat anti-Muslim sentiment, which it says has grown since the attack in London, Ont.
However, Butt said there has also been an outpouring of support in the days since, too.
"Our neighbourhood, they send flowers and cards and letters and they showed love and sympathy with the Muslim community. They said, 'No problem, we are with you, you are not alone, we are always with you.' So these kinds of things always buck up the community and at the same time."
One week earlier, Alberta announced it would make up to $100,000 available through grants to cultural and religious organizations to do security assessments and install security equipment, like cameras or anti-graffiti sealant.
- Alberta making up to $100K available for security upgrades at religious, cultural places
- Alberta's funding to deter hate crimes 'should just be the beginning': Muslim group
The Baitul Hadi Mosquemosque has been in the community for more than 25 years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Prosecution rests in Donald Trump’s hush money case. The defence now gets its turn to call witnesses
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanamo detainee who was seeking to wipe away his war crimes convictions, including for killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
'Next man up': Canucks coach, teammates bracing for Game 7 without Brock Boeser
Questions about how the team is going to handle the absence of star winger Brock Boeser from a do-or-die game seven dominated pre-game interviews with the Vancouver Canucks coach and players Monday morning.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.