Shots fired at Winnipeg mosque amid warnings of rising Islamophobia in Canada

Canadian police are investigating a suspected hate-motivated attack on a mosque in Winnipeg after shots were fired at the building. (Photo/Reuters)

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.

Officials condemn attack

Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack, describing it as "an appalling" act of Islamophobia.

"This violent act of Islamophobia is appalling and has no place in Canada. I'm grateful no one was injured," Carney wrote on X, adding that law enforcement had his full support in bringing those responsible to justice.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree also denounced the attack, saying "Islamophobia and hate have no place in Canada."

"We stand with the Muslim community in Winnipeg and across Canada," he wrote on X.

Muslim group warns of rise in Islamophobia

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) said security footage showed two people approaching the mosque, with one appearing to strike its walls using a blunt object. The organisation said bullet holes were later found in the building's windows.

The NCCM said the attack reflected a broader rise in anti-Muslim incidents across the country.

"This is yet another example of what has been almost daily violent Islamophobic attacks across Canada in recent weeks," the group said.

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Source: TRT