Calgary showing support for victims of hate motivated attack in Ontario
Five members of one family were violently mowed down by a driver Sunday night in London, Ontario, and now Calgarians are pleading for support for their Muslim neighbours and friends.
Police were quick to determine the Sunday attack that killed four members of the Afzaal family was allegedly motivated by hate due to the family’s Muslim faith.
20-year old Nathaniel Veltman is facing four counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted murder.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau deemed the act one of terrorism.
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi echoed that sentiment.
But it’s unclear whether terrorism charges could be laid by RCMP.
“Do I sound a bit raw? It’s because I’m a bit raw,” he said at the start of Tuesday’s council meeting.
“When we spend the day debating whether we should call something terrorism, which it clearly is, or use that term domestic terrorism because that's different than the other kind, we are complicit,” he said.
Nenshi says he has received messages from friends and strangers supporting him and many Muslims across the city.
But he strongly urged that more needs to be done.
“Don’t tell me your thoughts are with the Muslim community, tell me what you’re going to do about racism in his country,” said Nenshi.
DEVASTATED
Calgary’s Immigrant Support Society said it was devastated to learn of the tragic news from Sunday night.
“Muslims need solidarity right now from the greater Canadian public,” said spokesperson Saima Jamal.
“As horrible as this is, I feel like I’m living in déjà vu.”
Jamal pointed to recent attacks on people of colour in Calgary at Eau Claire and a road rage incident last month.
She said Muslims in Calgary are feeling more worried for their safety.
“When did evening walk that I take my family takes become an act of bravery,” she said.
Police officers on scene where a family of five was run over in London, Ontario Sunday evening, killing four and seriously injuring a nine-year-old. A vigil will be held Tuesday night in Calgary at city hall.
Police have faced backlash previously when it comes to constituting a hate crime.
Calgary police chief Mark Neufeld sat down with CTV Morning Live on Tuesday saying sufficient evidence is needed.
Calgary police chief Mark Neufeld says the city isn't ready to decriminalize drugs
“We’ll lay criminal charges and hate motivated criminal charges every single time,” said Neufeld.
“If it can be proven, (that) can be grounds to add to punishment and make the punishment more severe at sentencing.”
Organizers of a vigil at 8 p.m. Tuesday at city hall say they expect several hundred to show support, with speeches, prayers and silence for those lost.
“You cannot go and kill anybody and harm anybody for the faith that they are in,” said Riyaz Khawaja with the Hussaini Association of Calgary.
Khawaja said there seems to be more and more acts of violence directed at those of Muslim faith.
“It’s growing and we don’t know why and hate is not acceptable,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.