Canadian Imams Warn of Rising Hate Targeting Mosques Following Gatineau Arrest

The suspect was arrested after allegedly issuing violent threats against the Imam and congregants of the Mosque of Aylmer, raising serious concerns about the safety of places of worship and the broader climate of hate. According to media reports, police conducted a search as part of the investigation and seized multiple items, including air rifles and a .22 calibre firearm.

Since 2017, 11 Canadian Muslims have been killed in hate-motivated attacks, the highest number among G7 countries – highlighting a troubling pattern that cannot be ignored.

Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peace, reflection, and community, values shared across all faith traditions in Canada. Incidents like this strike at the very foundation of those shared values.

Shortly after midnight on Sunday, April 26, the Imam of the Mosque of Aylmer received a hate-filled email stating: “I can’t wait to kill all of you. I love the USA killing all of you.” The message also referenced Palestine.

We commend the Gatineau Police Service for their swift and decisive action in apprehending the suspect.

“Violent, hateful threats must always be treated as real warnings, not empty words,” said Imam Sikander Hashmi, Executive Director of the Canadian Council of Imams. “The Quebec City mosque attack of 2017 and the 2020 hate-motivated killing of a Toronto mosque caretaker remain painful reminders of what can happen when hate is left unchecked.”

“No community in Canada should ever have to wonder whether their place of worship is safe,” Hashmi added. “While our mosques remain open places of peace, prayer, and service, this is a reminder that vigilance is not optional in today’s world.”

The Canadian Council of Imams is committed to equipping Muslim faith leaders with practical safety and preparedness training as part of its ongoing work to support and strengthen community spaces.

We call upon all Canadians to confront hate wherever they find it and to stand united in defending the sanctity of all human lives and sacred spaces.

About the Canadian Council of Imams

The Canadian Council of Imams (CCI) is an independent, non-profit organization uniting over 100 Imams and Islamic religious leaders across Canada. Established in 1990, CCI supports Imams in their spiritual and community leadership roles while serving as a trusted source of Islamic guidance for Canadian Muslims, government bodies, and the public.