'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
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.