Shooting at Canadian Mosque Kills 6, is Deemed Terrorism

A shooting at a Canadian mosque in Quebec City that killed six people and injured eight others has been called an act of terrorism by Canada’s government.

USAToday.com reports that the attack occurred Sunday night during evening prayers when over 50 people were gathered at the mosque. Police reported that two suspects have been detained and that they believe no other suspects remain at large.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the attack an act of terrorism and firmly condemned it in a statement: "We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a center of worship and refuge. It is heart-wrenching to see such senseless violence. Diversity is our strength, and religious tolerance is a value that we, as Canadians, hold dear."

Trudeau went on to say that "Muslim-Canadians are an important part of our national fabric, and these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities and country. Canadian law enforcement agencies will protect the rights of all Canadians, and will make every effort to apprehend the perpetrators of this act and all acts of intolerance."

Trudeau also recently condemned President Trump’s controversial immigration ban, which restricts immigrants from seven different Middle East and North African countries from entering the U.S. for at least 120 days. Many opponents of the ban claim it bans Muslims based on religion.

“To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada,” Trudeau said on Saturday.

Canada has reportedly accepted 39,000 Syrian refugees since 2015.

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: January 30, 2017