Canada Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has stated that the shooting at a Quebec mosque during Sunday night prayer was a terrorist attack on Muslims.
“We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a center of worship and refuge,” Trudeau stated in a statement.
“Tonight, Canadians grieve for those killed in a cowardly attack on a mosque in Quebec City. My thoughts are with victims & their families,” Trudeau posted on twitter earlier in the night.
The shooting came on the weekend that Trudeau stated Canada would welcome refugees, after U.S. President Donald Trump suspended the U.S. refugee program and temporarily barred citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States on national security grounds.
Five people were killed after gunmen opened fire in a Quebic City Mosque during Sunday night prayers.
Reuters reports that up to three gunmen fired on about 40 people inside the Quebec City Islamic Cultural Center.
“Why is this happening here? This is barbaric,” stated the mosque’s president, Mohamed Yangui.
Quebec police stated there were many victims and deaths, but did not confirm the death toll.
The Police had already arrested two people in connection with the attack but no further details has been given.
A witness stated a heavily armed police tactical squad was seen entering the three-storey mosque.
Police declined to say whether there was a gunman inside the mosque at the time.
Police posted on twitter later that the situation was under control and that the mosque had been secured and occupants evacuated.
The Mosque President who was not in the mosque at the time of the attack, stated that he got calls from so many people.
He stated that he could not tell how many people were injured as they had been taken to different hospitals.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio stated police were providing additional protection for mosques in that city following the Quebec shooting.
“All New Yorkers should be vigilant. If you see something, say something,” he posted on twitter.
Canada’s federal Liberal legislator Greg Fergus posted on twitter: “This is an act of terrorism — the result of years of demonizing Muslims. Words matter and hateful speeches have consequences!”