Canada’s primary Muslim advocacy organization and political figures are addressing a recent incident where a 54-year-old individual was accused of making threats to detonate a mosque and a Muslim family’s residence in Newmarket. York Regional Police disclosed that a hate-driven occurrence involving threats against the Muslim community in Newmarket was reported to them. During a press briefing, the National Council of Canadian Muslims’ media and communications lead revealed that the individual in question purportedly intended to explode the local mosque and the residence of a Muslim family, utilizing his expertise in HVAC to manipulate gas lines for the destructive purpose of harming the family and potentially children.
The alleged threats were reported on September 1, with law enforcement informed two days later. Subsequently, a 54-year-old individual from the Town of Newmarket was apprehended and charged with two counts of making threats. The suspect, known to the targeted family for 14 years as a close neighbor, reportedly shared his violent intentions with another neighbor, who promptly notified the authorities. It was also indicated that the suspect extensively consumed online Islamophobic and anti-Muslim material.
A statement from the targeted family, conveyed by the chief mobilization officer at NCCM, expressed ongoing fear due to the situation and highlighted the unsettling realization of a neighbor planning violent acts while partaking in extremist content. The family’s plea for protection and community awareness was emphasized. The mosque, which opted for anonymity for safety reasons, acknowledged the gravity of the situation had the suspect’s plans materialized, underlining the intended peace and sanctity of the place of worship.
NCCM’s chief mobilization officer underscored the necessity for tangible solutions to combat hate crimes and incidents, referencing recommendations from a parliamentary Islamophobia study. The community’s right to demand action against threats and intimidation targeting Muslims was emphasized, questioning the need for further harm before effective measures are implemented. York police acknowledged the investigation as a hate crime without divulging specific details regarding the case’s integrity.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor expressed concern over the impact on the affected family, highlighting the distress caused by the incident. The call for proactive measures to address Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments within the community was reiterated by the involved parties.