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Mosque Vandalized: Hate Crime Suspected in Vancouver
14 Nov
Summary
- Vandalism discovered at Vancouver's Al Masjid Al Jamia mosque early Friday.
- Suspect captured on video spray-painting 'UK BLOOD IS ON YOUR HAND' on doors.
- Police investigating as potential hate crime, increasing patrols around mosque.
Vancouver police are actively searching for a suspect following the overnight vandalism of the Al Masjid Al Jamia mosque. The incident, discovered by a maintenance worker early Friday morning, is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
Security cameras recorded an individual spray-painting the phrase "UK BLOOD IS ON YOUR HAND" in red on the mosque's front doors around 11:30 p.m. Thursday. Haroon Khan, a director with the Pakistan-Canada Association managing the mosque, described the message as nonsensical and driven by hatred.
Authorities have canvassed the area for evidence and are increasing police presence near the mosque on West 8th Avenue. A police spokesperson stated that the investigation will pursue hate crime charges if evidence supports it, emphasizing that such acts are not tolerated.
Mayor Pete Fry expressed disappointment, calling the targeting of any place of worship inappropriate. City crews were deployed to remove the graffiti promptly. The mosque has served the community for over six decades, fostering prayer and connection.
