Local Muslim leaders are preaching love and tolerance following a deadly shooting at a mosque in Quebec City Sunday night. Six men were killed during evening prayers, and another five were seriously injured.
27 year old Alexandre Bissonette has been charged with six counts of first degree murder and five of attempted murder. The Islamic Association of Grande Prairie and District says the community is “shocked and saddened” by the violence, as it goes against both Canadian values and the values of their religion.
“Terrorism, radicalism and violence has no religion, no race and does not represent a country,” says Imam Mohamud Issa.
In a statement, the association argues the attack was based on intolerance and ignorance, and highlights the fact that the country is not immune to this kind of hatred and violence.
“But we also know that we can defeat it by standing together and by spreading love and tolerance among us,” it writes. “Together as Canadians, we shall stand against any act of violence and we must teach our children that love is stronger than hate.”
The local mosque says it’s thankful for the steady stream of support from the community it’s seen during this tragedy. That includes visits from Mayor Bill Given and other elected officials, as well as RCMP Superintendent Donnan McKenna and fellow law enforcement.