Prime Minister Justin Trudeau describes shootings at a Quebec City mosque as a terrorist attack

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      Update: At 9:06 a.m., Quebec police tweeted that only one man was arrested and the other man is considered to be a witness.

      Police have told the media that two men have been arrested after an attack that killed six people and wounded eight at a Quebec City mosque.

      According to CBC News, five of the survivors are in critical condition.

      Two armed men wearing masks burst into the Centre culturel islamique de Québec during Sunday evening prayers and started shooting people.

      The attack took place in the Ste-Foy neighbourhood.

      Police say one man was taken into custody at the mosque and the other was captured alongside a highway outside of the city.

      No names of the accused have been released. Quebec media outlets have reported that both alleged shooters were students at Université Laval in Quebec City.

      Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a statement declaring that Muslim Canadians "are an important part of our national fabric" and that "these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities, and country."

      “We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a centre of worship and refuge," Trudeau said. “On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of all those who have died, and we wish a speedy recovery to those who have been injured.

      “While authorities are still investigating and details continue to be confirmed, it is heart-wrenching to see such senseless violence," Trudeau continued." Diversity is our strength, and religious tolerance is a value that we, as Canadians, hold dear."

      Quebec premier Philippe Couillard also described the attack as terrorism.

      "This is a murderous act targeting a specific community," the premier said.

      Quebec City mayor M. Regis Labeaume issued a statement saying his "first thoughts go to the victims and their families who were gathered for prayer".

      "Quebec is an open-minded city where all can live together peacefully and respectfully," Labeaume said. "I urge the people to unite and stand together. Quebec is a strong city. Quebec is a proud city. Quebec is a city that is open to the world."

      In Vancouver, the Pakistan-Canada Association and the Coalition Against Bigotry will hold a candlelight vigil next weekend in solidarity with the Quebec City mosque congregation.

      The Vancouver event will take place at the Al-Majia Masjid (655 West 8th Avenue), which is Western Canada's oldest mosque, to coincide with a two-day event, Days of Action Against Islamophobia and Deportations, taking place on February 4 and 5.

      Comments