Vigil to be held Tuesday night in Calgary in memory of London, Ont. family
A vigil will be held Tuesday night in Calgary to honour the memory of the family killed in London, Ontario.
The incident occurred Sunday night around 8:40 p.m., when the truck of 20-year-old London, Ontario resident Nathan Veltman allegedly struck a family of five walking on Hyde Park Road in London, killing four.
The lone survivor was a nine-year-old who is in hospital with serious injuries.
Veltman was arrested seven kilometres away, and at a Monday morning press conference, police said there was evidence the incident was hate-related.
"There is evidence that this was a planned, premeditated act and that the family was targeted because of their Muslim faith," said Det.-Insp. Paul Waight during the briefing.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi took to Twitter Monday night to denounce hatred and call for a stand against racism, religious bigotry and terrorism.
Nenshi outlined the ongoing harassment Muslim, Sikh, Indigenous and BIPOC Canadians face in our country before challenging people to make a difference.
"So, join me in grief and anger. Check in on your Muslim friends and neighbours. That's a kindness. But ask yourselves, what else can I do? What’s my role in creating a truly anti-racist society? What can I do today?," said Nenshi
"It's the second time in a week I've asked you to get loud. Stand up to racism and all bigotry, including Islamophobia, wherever and whenever you see it. Don't support politicians who sow division for their own benefit. And don't make the mistake of thinking that this is only a Muslim tragedy.
To borrow from my wise friend Don Iveson (Edmonton mayor), this isn't just a Muslim tragedy. It's not even just a family tragedy. It's a Canadian tragedy. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un."
Calgary police issued a statement Monday about the incident on their Facebook page.
"The senseless murder of an Ontario family, targeted because of their faith, has deeply shocked and saddened us. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of those lost in this tragedy. Our thoughts are also with the first responders who worked tirelessly to save the victims of this horrible act."
"Our Diversity Resources Unit will be reaching out to the Calgary Muslim community to offer support. Resources are also available through the Victims Assistance Support Team by calling 403-428-8398. Please know, we are here for you in your time of grief."
The vigil will take place at 8 p.m. at city hall. Social distancing protocols will be observed. Participants are asked to wear masks and to bring candles and posters to highlight the cause.
With files from Justin Zadorsky and Matt Thompson, Tamara Heisel and Reta Ismail CTV London
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.