WATCH: Cops take down mosque attacker in Mississauga
Published March 19, 2022 at 9:44 pm
The aftermath of an attack in Mississauga on Saturday morning (Mar. 19) was caught on camera as police apprehended the suspect.
Shortly before 7:00 a.m., police say they received reports of an armed male entering the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in the area of McAdam Rd and Matheson Blvd E, near Kennedy Rd.
“It is alleged that a man walked into the mosque and discharged bear spray towards the members of the mosque while brandishing a hatchet,” said police.
Several people sustained minor injuries.
Police say the members of the mosque quickly subdued the man until officers arrived.
A video posted by Reddit user CXZ115 to the Mississauga subreddit shows police arresting the suspect at the scene (explicit language):
Videos
“We are very lucky that nobody got seriously injured and that he wasn’t armed with a gun or a rifle. My God things could’ve gone ugly,” said the Reddit user, who was a worshipper at the mosque at the time of the attack.
The suspect, identified as 24 year old Mississauga man Mohammad Moiz Omar, has been charged with:
- Assault with a weapon
- Administering Noxious Substance with intent to Endanger Life or Cause Bodily Harm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Utter Threat to Cause Death or Bodily Harm
- Carrying Concealed weapon
- Mischief to religious property
Police believe this was an isolated and hate-motivated attack.
Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie and Brampton mayor Patrick Brown quickly condemned the attack, with Crombie saying she was “shocked and angered.”
“This unprovoked attack on a place of worship is absolutely unacceptable and I strongly condemn it,” said Crombie. “My thoughts are with those injured and the City’s entire Muslim community.”
Ibrahim Hindy, who leads prayers at the mosque, says the attack happened during the Fajr (dawn prayer).
“Before he could inflict harm on any worshippers, several congregants bravely were able to stop him in his tracks,” said Hindy.
“We urge the Peel Police to continue to investigate all angles. Our community will never be broken and we refuse to be intimidated.”
Mohammad Moiz Omar was held for a bail hearing and appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on Saturday.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
Image and video courtesy of CXZ115 on Reddit
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising