30 MORE | NCCM : “We have been greatly distressed to learn about an apparent violent hate crime at a Markham mosque, where an individual yelled slurs, tore up a Qur’an, and attempted to run down worshippers in his vehicle.”

04 08 23'

Written by HiMY SYeD

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“We have been greatly distressed to learn about an apparent violent hate crime at a Markham mosque,

Where an individual yelled slurs,

Tore up a Qur’an,

And attempted to run down worshippers in his vehicle.

There will be a press conference on Monday with more details to come.”

— National Council of Canadian Muslims

Islamic Society of Markham struck by a hate-motivated attack as an individual used a vehicle to attempt to ram worshippers

(Markham — April 8, 2023)

We wanted to communicate clearly with our congregation and our neighbours about a highly distressing apparent hate crime that recently took place at our centre.

On or about the morning of April 6,

An individual came to the Islamic Society of Markham (ISM),

One of the oldest and largest Muslim institutions in Markham.

Thousands of congregants attend the ISM,

And the centre is much busier because of the sacred month of Ramadan.

The individual brought his car to the mosque.

Upon entering the mosque,

he tore apparently a copy of the Qur’an,

And began a racist and Islamophobic rant directed towards the worshippers.

The individual,

Upon exiting the mosque,

Then attempted to run over or strike worshippers with his vehicle.

We are deeply troubled by this incident,

Especially as we near the anniversary of the London Terror Attack,

Where a family in London was run down in an act of hatred.

We appreciate the support of the York Regional Police,

Who moved swiftly to make sure our congregation was safe,

And to our understanding have arrested and charged this individual.

We further urge YRP to continue investigating this issue as a potentially hate- motivated crime.

We know that our congregation is a strong and loving community.

Our security and logistics team have taken additional steps to keep worshippers safe in the next days of Ramadan.

We will be hosting a press conference at the ISM this Monday to provide further information.

Press Conference Details:

WHERE: The Islamic Society of Markham, 2900 Denison St, Markham

WHEN: Monday, April 10, 12:00 noon

 

“SUSPECT CHARGED AFTER SUSPECTED HATE-MOTIVATED INCIDENT AT MARKHAM MOSQUE

Posted on Sunday April 09, 2023

23-113350

Investigators with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged a suspect with several criminal offences after a suspected hate-motivated incident at a mosque in the City of Markham.

On Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 6:55 a.m.,

York Regional Police responded to a call for a disturbance at a mosque on Denison Street.

Witnesses reported that a male suspect had attended in a vehicle and drove directly at one of the worshippers and yelled threats and religious slurs.

The suspect drove dangerously in the parking lot before leaving the property.

Members of the #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau were notified and worked cooperatively with the Intelligence Unit and Hate Crime Unit to identify the suspect.

Members of the Hate Crime Unit attended the mosque to offer support to its members.

The suspect was identified and a warrant for his arrest was issued while efforts were made to locate him.

Shortly after midnight, on April 7, 2023,

members of York Regional Police arrested the suspect in Toronto.

CHARGED:

  • Sharan KARUNAKARAN, 28, of Toronto

CHARGES:

  • Uttering Threats
  • Assault with a Weapon
  • Dangerous Driving

Sharan KARUNAKARAN was held for a bail hearing.

His next scheduled appearance is at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in the Town of Newmarket on April 11, 2023.

Investigators are concerned there may be other victims and police encourage them to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541,

or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS,

or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

Prepared by: Sergeant Clint Whitney

23-113350

April 9, 2023

“April 10, 2023

Canadian Tamil Congress stands in solidarity with Islamic Society of Markham

The Canadian Tamil Congress stands in solidarity with the Islamic Society of Markham following a suspected hate-motivated attack on April 6th.

It is disconcerting that anyone would seek to harm individuals peacefully practicing their religion during such a sacred time.

Acts of hate have no place in our communities, and we strongly condemn such heinous actions.

The Canadian Tamil Congress is committed to working together to create welcoming, inclusive and safe communities for all.

During this holy month of Ramadan, we’d like to express our solidarity with members of the Muslim faith and wish everyone strength, peace and comfort.”


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Comments on: "30 MORE | NCCM : “We have been greatly distressed to learn about an apparent violent hate crime at a Markham mosque, where an individual yelled slurs, tore up a Qur’an, and attempted to run down worshippers in his vehicle.”" (1)

  1. Nigel Mohammed said:
    Sunday April 9, 2023 at 10:00 am

    May Allah bless you brother for your committment to Islam and for visiting various Mosques around the GTA. I was very pleased to meet you Saturday night at TARIC and look forward to seeing you again many times my brother.