Four out of five members of a Muslim family has been murdered in what is described as an act of terrorism in Canada.
At an intersection in the Canadian city of London, a driver intentionally mounted over the curb and drove over a family of five, killing four with one surviving with injuries. London Police Detective Superintendent Paul Waight stated that “There is evidence that this was a planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate. It is believed that these victims were targeted because they were Muslim,”.
A 74 year old man was pronounced dead while a 46 year old man, 44 year old women, 15 year old girl and a 9 year old boy was rushed to the hospital. The two adults and the teenage girl passed away at the hospital while the 9 year old boy is recovering from non-life threatening injuries.
It has been reported that the family was waiting at the intersection when 20 year old Nathaniel Veltman mounted the curb and drove over them in his black pickup truck. He was later arrested at a parking lot of a shopping mall.
He has been charged with 4 counts of first degree murder and 1 count of attempted murder. The Police are also working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to raise charges of terrorism against Veltman.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that “To the loved ones of those who were terrorized by yesterday’s act of hatred, we are here for you. We are also here for the child who remains in hospital, our hearts go out to you, and you will be in our thoughts as you recover, 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,”.
This is the second worst attack against Canadian Muslims since the attack on a mosque in Quebec city which resulted in the deaths of 6 Muslims.