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Vancouver police are investigating a threat against the city's Muslim community and have increased patrols, after the Muslim Association of Canada reported that several of its schools received an anonymous email threatening violence.
Vancouver police say they are investigating a threat against the city's Muslim community and have increased patrols in locations across the city. The Vancouver Police Department says it is working closely with the Muslim Association of Canada.
The department said in a statement to CTV News on Friday that anyone who has received a threat or has information about a potential threat is asked to contact police immediately. The investigation comes after the Muslim Association of Canada said several of its schools in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec received the same anonymous email this week threatening violence.
Email Threats Target Muslim Community
The association said in a statement on its website that the email contained explicit language targeting Muslim children, families and community members. The email, which was shared with The Canadian Press and was signed by a Citizen Vigilante, threatened to slaughter Muslims and vowed Canada will be Islam free. The association said that while there was no indication of an imminent or specific threat to any of its schools, it takes such threats seriously and has activated its security protocols.
Our schools continue to operate safely and without disruption, the association said. This threat is not simply an attack on Muslims. It is an attack on the values that define Canada. It reflects a growing climate of Islamophobia and polarization that, left unchecked, threatens every community in this country and not just ours.
Police in Ontario's Peel region said Friday they are aware of a letter containing hate-motivated threats against Islamic institutions. They have increased police patrols near mosques and schools, which will continue into the weekend.
Police Investigate Hate-Motivated Emails
Meanwhile, police in the London, Ottawa and Waterloo regions of Ontario said they are also investigating threatening emails sent to Islamic schools. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree wrote in a statement that he is deeply disturbed by the threats. He said they are unacceptable and have no place in Canada. The Muslim Association of Canada called on the federal government to provide a clear and decisive response to Islamophobia in Canada.
The latest data from Statistics Canada shows the number of police-reported hate crimes against Muslims rose by more than 170 per cent between 2020 and 2024. The Muslim Association of Canada operates numerous schools and community centres across the country. Its security protocols include increased vigilance and coordination with local police. The association said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies.
Rise in Police-Reported Hate Crimes
Police in multiple jurisdictions have not announced any arrests, and investigations are ongoing. The threats come amid a broader rise in hate-motivated incidents targeting religious and cultural communities in Canada. Statistics Canada data indicates a significant increase in police-reported hate crimes against Muslims over the past four years. Community leaders have expressed concern about the impact of such threats on feelings of safety and belonging.
Vancouver police said they are taking the threat seriously and are working to ensure the safety of all residents. The department has not released further details about the nature of the threat or any potential suspects. The Muslim Association of Canada said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to its community. Anyone with information about the threats is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers. The investigation is ongoing and involves multiple police forces across Canada.
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CTVNews:Vancouver police increase patrols after threats targeting MuslimsThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Vancouver Police Muslim Association Of Canada Islamic Schools Hate Crimes Gary Anandasangaree Canada Islamophobia Muslim Community Threat Vancouver Police Investigation Islamic Schools Threats Hate Crimes Canada Public Safety Minister School Threats
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