6 dead, 5 in critical condition in Quebec mosque attack

A hospital spokeswoman says five people who were injured in a horrific mosque shooting in Quebec City on Sunday night are in critical condition.

A spokeswoman with the Centre Hospitalier Universite Laval says at least three of those people are currently between life and death.

At a news conference on Monday morning, police said the six people who were killed in the bloody massacre on Sunday at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec in Quebec City’s Ste-Foy neighbourhood were aged between the ages of 39 and 60.

At least 14 other people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, according to the Centre Hospitalier Universite Laval.

Quebec police now say one of two men arrested on Sunday night is considered a suspect, while the other man is a witness.

Police said Monday it is too early to specify what charges will be laid.

RCMP did not want to give the ethnic origin of the two accused but said they were not previously known to authorities.

Trudeau has issued a statement condemning the attack, “this terrorist attack on Muslims in a centre of worship and refuge.”

“The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today after hearing of the fatal shooting at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec located in the Ste-Foy neighbourhood of the city of Québec:

“It was with tremendous shock, sadness and anger that I heard of this evening’s tragic and fatal shooting at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec located in the Ste-Foy neighbourhood of the city of Québec.

“We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a centre of worship and refuge.

“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. Diversity is our strength, and religious tolerance is a value that we, as Canadians, hold dear.

“Muslim-Canadians are an important part of our national fabric, and these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities and country. Canadian law enforcement agencies will protect the rights of all Canadians, and will make every effort to apprehend the perpetrators of this act and all acts of intolerance.

“Tonight, we grieve with the people of Ste-Foy and all Canadians.”

Meanwhile, our local Mayors & Regional Chair have released a statement on the attack.

Couillard called it “a murderous act perpetrated against a specific community.”

The premier made an impassioned plea to Quebec Muslims — saying “We are with you, you are at home, you are welcome at home, we are all Quebecers.”

Vigils for the victims are planned in Montreal and Quebec City today and the national assembly will lower flags to half-mast.

It’s not the first time the mosque has been targeted — last June a pig’s head was left outside the building.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale tweeted Sunday he is deeply saddened by the loss of life, his office says no motive has been confirmed.

 

 

Waterloo Regional police Inspector Mike Haffner tells 570 NEWS offer condolences to those affected.

“A tragic set of circumstances in our Country last night. We have a very positive and engaging relationship with our local Islamic community in Waterloo Region.
Officers will be connecting with our partners across Canada to determine the reasons for the attack.
Our community needs to remain vigilant as our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by this incident.”