Fazal Amin Shinwari
TORONTO: Four members of a Muslim family were killed in a hit and run in London, Ontario. Police suspect the attacker targeted them because of their religion.
The attack took place in the city of London, Ontario province where a man struck and killed four pedestrians with his truck in a suspected premeditated hate crime.
The accused, a 20-year old Canadian man has been charged with four counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
Among those killed in the incident on Sunday night were a 74-year-old grandmother, a 46-year-old father, a 44-year-old mother, and a 15-year-old daughter, police announced Monday. A 9-year-old boy was in a serious condition but was expected to survive. The family requested the victims’ names not be made public.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that he was ‘horrified’ by the news.
“To the Muslim community in London and to Muslims across the country, know that we stand with you. Islamophobia has no place in any of our communities. This hate is insidious and despicable — and it must stop,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Twitter.
To the Muslim community in London and to Muslims across the country, know that we stand with you. Islamophobia has no place in any of our communities. This hate is insidious and despicable – and it must stop.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 7, 2021
Ontario Prime Minister, Doug Ford turned to Twitter and paid tribute to the departed souls.
“Hate and Islamophobia have NO place in Ontario,” “justice must be served for the horrific act of hatred that took place.” he wrote. Ontario
Hate and Islamophobia have NO place in Ontario. Justice must be served for the horrific act of hatred that took place in London, Ontario yesterday.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends during this difficult time. These heinous acts of violence must stop.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) June 7, 2021
