“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.”
(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
Honestly, ever since the London Mosque attack I’ve been vigilant when crossing in front of vehicles. Is the driver a racist that will put their foot on the gas pedal and run me down? I wait until cars completely stop to know it’s safe. May God protect us & our mosques 🕌 https://t.co/6T05YuPllW
— Lila Mansour🧕🏼 (@lilaXmansour) April 8, 2023
Deeply disturbed to hear of the violent hate crimes and racist behaviour at the Islamic Society of Markham. To Muslims in Markham and Canada, I stand with you. (1/3) https://t.co/sHCSlwI5Ts
— Mary Ng (@mary_ng) April 8, 2023
We will continue to take action so that everyone feels safe in this country and remain committed to combating this despicable behaviour. (3/3)
— Mary Ng (@mary_ng) April 8, 2023
I strongly condemn this act of hatred. The night before this incident I joined other leaders to break fast with the Muslim community. I thanked them for all their contributions. Markham strongly condemns #Islamophobia & we stand in solidarity with the Markham Muslim community. https://t.co/6bfHhj6Cmj
— Mayor Frank Scarpitti (@frankscarpitti) April 9, 2023
Reports of another deeply disturbing incident of #Islamophobia in GTA. After desecrating a Quran inside the Islamic Society of Markham, a man then attempted to run worshippers over with his car.
— Senator Salma Ataullahjan (@SenatorSalma) April 9, 2023
FMC-CMF expresses its strong dismay and condemnation of the hate crime that the ISM was subject to. https://t.co/8YVR5OfSDK
Islamic Society of Markham#Islamophobia— CanadianMuslimForum (@CNDMuslimForum) April 9, 2023
I am deeply saddened by the hate motivated attack that took place out side of the Islamic Society of Markham on April 6th, during the holy month of Ramadan.
The rise of Islamophobia motivated attacks is deeply concerning & we must stand up against it. We will not let hate win.
— Ahmed Hussen (@HonAhmedHussen) April 9, 2023
Another day, another hate-motivated attack in Ontario. We're approaching the anniversary of the London Terror Attack and words are not enough when governments can take real action to keep communities safe and stop Islamophobia.#onpoli #Ramadan2023#MarkhamMosque https://t.co/BsiyvZqxP2
— Kristyn Wong-Tam 🇨🇦 (@kristynwongtam) April 9, 2023
Too much hate. And without fast thinking by security, it could have been devastating.
We all need to work together in support of religious freedom and against hate and discrimination that too often leads to violence. https://t.co/KzNRAgfLsK
— Nate Erskine-Smith (@beynate) April 9, 2023
This is distressing. It's alarming. But it shouldn't have to be this way.
Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims. (1/3) https://t.co/6phzGGchCa
— Ahmad Elbayoumi (@ahmadeofficial) April 9, 2023
The one year anniversary of the attack in London is approaching. And the truth is, the fate of that beautiful family haunts so many in the Muslim community.
Hate kills. It has killed. And nothing will change if we do not reject it or confront it. And do so loudly. (3/3)
— Ahmad Elbayoumi (@ahmadeofficial) April 9, 2023
My heart is scared. My mother, my 16-year-old niece, and countless uncles/aunts and first cousins attend at this mosque every single night for taraweeh (nightly prayers during Ramadan). In praying my family and other Muslims are simply exercising their #charter rights. #Ramadan https://t.co/xkHfFOOCfh
— Muneeza aka Noah’s mom (@Muneezalawyer) April 9, 2023
My mother goes to this mosque. This is terrifying. I will tell her not to go but I know she won’t listen because praying with her community is important to her. We shouldn’t be living in fear yet it’s hard not to. https://t.co/iPLQ0XOlXw
— Maleeha Sheikh (@MaleehaCity) April 9, 2023
A concerning act of violence reported at a Markham Mosque: https://t.co/0lrDwBReyC
— Faiza Amin (@Faiza_AminTV) April 9, 2023
#UPDATE: Police say a 28-year-old Toronto man is facing a number of charges in connection with this incident. https://t.co/cJQeWxqGxC
— CityNews Toronto (@CityNewsTO) April 9, 2023
SUSPECT CHARGED AFTER SUSPECTED HATE-MOTIVATED INCIDENT AT MARKHAM MOSQUE. Further details here: https://t.co/n2WCNME1Vr pic.twitter.com/H1ZLiwZ3Gw
— York Regional Police (@YRP) April 9, 2023
“SUSPECT CHARGED AFTER SUSPECTED HATE-MOTIVATED INCIDENT AT MARKHAM MOSQUE
Posted on Sunday April 09, 2023
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.23-113350
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
Man charged after allegedly threatening worshippers at mosque in Markham, Ont. https://t.co/ObTtmncggw
— The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) April 9, 2023
Suspected hate-motivated incident at Markham mosque brings charges https://t.co/r8iufzJxLx
— NewmarketToday (@newmarkettoday) April 9, 2023
Those who frequent this Markham mosque, and their loved ones, have been deeply anxious this weekend.
We must do all we can to counter the hate that threatens our rights and freedoms and hold perpetrators accountable. #reporthate https://t.co/JARY7lkcHB via @torontostar
— Amira Elghawaby (@AmiraElghawaby) April 9, 2023
Les personnes qui fréquentent cette mosquée de Markham, ainsi que leurs proches, sont profondément inquiets en cette fin de semaine.
Nous devons faire tout ce qui est en notre pouvoir pour contrer la haine qui menace nos droits et tenir les auteurs de ces actes responsables. https://t.co/sgr196gMpL
— Amira Elghawaby (@AmiraElghawaby) April 9, 2023
York Regional Police say they're treating the Thursday-morning incident at the Islamic Society of Markham as a hate-motivated attack. https://t.co/NdKceJy8HD
— 640 Toronto (@am640) April 9, 2023
York Regional Police say they're treating the Thursday-morning incident at the Islamic Society of Markham as a hate-motivated attack. https://t.co/yAXcUBKayv
— Global News Toronto (@globalnewsto) April 9, 2023
Man charged after allegedly driving at, threatening worshippers at Toronto mosque https://t.co/Rd811AnctN
— CP24 (@CP24) April 9, 2023
Man charged after allegedly driving at, threatening worshippers at Markham, Ont. mosque https://t.co/aK9N8R64Lc
— Dave Agar (@dave1agar) April 9, 2023
A Toronto man has been arrested following an alleged attack in the parking lot of a Markham mosque where thousands of congregants were gathered for Ramadanhttps://t.co/1M402Alf3l
— Hamilton Spectator (@TheSpec) April 9, 2023
Condemnation poured in Sunday in response to what the Islamic Society of Markham (ISM) said was "a hate-motivated attack" at its mosque last week. https://t.co/TtJfBAmSaj
— Desmond Brown (@Desmond_CBC) April 9, 2023
I join many others from diverse communities in strongly condemning this act of hatred and Islamophobia that took place at Islamic Society of Markham. I stand together in solidarity with the Muslim community in Markham and across the country. pic.twitter.com/Zl4Soq6lMg
— Neethan Shan (@NeethanShan) April 9, 2023
This is terrifying. Me and family go to pray regularly. I can't even compute factoring in a violent man trying to kill us as we quietly worship. I am furious and scared. https://t.co/5L5Z5YQXRU
— Shireen Ahmed (@_shireenahmed_) April 9, 2023
After the horrific attack and vehicular murder of a family in London (2021) it took me weeks to be able to walk on the bloody sidewalk again.
Because the thought of someone wanting to kill me because I wear hijab it too real.— Shireen Ahmed (@_shireenahmed_) April 9, 2023
Anyone know more about this? Canada has been home to some of the most heinous attacks on Muslims in North America (Quebec Mosque shooting, stabbing attacks, 2021 killing of a Muslim family, etc) – so this is, in fact, very distressing and a cause for heightened concern. https://t.co/7KkjMWMddK
— Sana Saeed (@SanaSaeed) April 9, 2023
Thank you, @YRP for your prompt response and apprehension of the individual responsible for these heinous acts. Canada’s diversity is our strength and I remain committed to standing against hate, injustice and bigotry to support the diverse groups of people that make up Markham.
— Paul Chiang (@PaulChiangMU) April 9, 2023
This is very sad and upsetting. This will cause unnecessary tension between worshippers visiting the masjid. Law enforcement officials are urged to make sure that the Muslim community feels safe praying at the masjid.
We stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Markham.— ICNA Sisters Canada (@icna_sis_canada) April 9, 2023
W/ @CP24 on the hateful incident that took place at Markham masjid. Full interview here: https://t.co/NXLe5CIcqv https://t.co/rl4k3vKazL pic.twitter.com/0cfSIIK55T
— Muneeza aka Noah’s mom (@Muneezalawyer) April 9, 2023
W/ @CP24 – all Muslims have the right to practice peacefully. All places of worship in Canada should be safe havens. These are our charter rights as Canadians. pic.twitter.com/ztkWQmEmrx
— Muneeza aka Noah’s mom (@Muneezalawyer) April 9, 2023
We must call out Islamophobia and hate whenever we see it. The attack at the Islamic Society of Markham during Ramadan must be condemned in the strongest terms. Those responsible must be held accountable. We stand united in ending all forms of hate. https://t.co/BejxqU2Sgd
— Marco Mendicino (@marcomendicino) April 9, 2023
The recent attack in New Jersey and Markham have many of us are feeling nervous going to mosque this Ramadan. My mosque is a joyful place full of families. It remains open all evening and welcomes everyone – whether you’re Muslim or not. Would be sad if this changes. https://t.co/h9kY1m3Vop
— Noor Javed (@njaved) April 10, 2023
The violent hate crime that took place in this Markham masjid is very disturbing, especially so close to the anniversary of the London attack + during Ramadan. On behalf of @OntarioNDP, we send love & strength & will continue to work with you to combat violence & Islamophobia ☪️ https://t.co/Yf6ULVl4vt
— Marit Stiles (@maritstiles) April 10, 2023
An outrageous act of violent islamaphobia in Markham during this holy month of Ramadan. It is yet another heart breaking example of hate and vitriol faced by our Muslim sisters and brothers. https://t.co/6NDrJlYOxN
— Gary Anandasangaree (@gary_srp) April 10, 2023
Thank you to the York Regional Police for their swift action in apprehending the person responsible. This violence and Islamophobia has no place in Canada and in our communities, to all Muslim-Canadians, I stand with you.
— Dr. Helena Jaczek (@HelenaJaczek) April 10, 2023
this is the mosque i grew up going to. the mosque where i learnt how to read the qu’ran. the mosque where i made lifelong friends. the mosque that solidified my faith.
this is so incredibly heartbreaking. https://t.co/EsUJbLVs4g
— maha (@mahaaaay) April 10, 2023
The Board’s Traumatic Events Support team will be deployed to schools affected by this incident. Here are some tips about speaking with your child after a tragic event https://t.co/zftUS7tLbt.
— York Region DSB (@YRDSB) April 10, 2023
I am shocked and saddened to hear about the violent hate attack on Islamic Society of #Markham and it’s worshipers especially during the month of #Ramadan
We must stand together to eliminate #islamophobia as hate has no place in #Canada https://t.co/Sw3coC0bPB— Shafqat Ali MP (@shafqatalimp) April 10, 2023
The attack on the Islamic society of Markham during the holy month of Ramadan is unacceptable. I stand with my Muslim brothers and sisters in condemning this attack in the strongest terms possible. Hatred and bigotry have no place in Canada. https://t.co/mootW6NwPj
— Kamal Khera (@KamalKheraLib) April 10, 2023
We stand in solidarity with the Markham Muslim community.
Learn how we are taking action against racism: https://t.co/YpzO04FvWN
— City of Markham (@cityofmarkham) April 10, 2023
I'm pleased that a suspect has been arrested and charged in last week's anti-Muslim attack at the Islamic Society of Markham.
My thoughts are with all of the individuals and families who were affected. Hate, violence, and Islamophobia have no place in our community. https://t.co/wrUAiGdxYD
— Paul Calandra (@PaulCalandra) April 10, 2023
Extremely disturbed and saddened to hear of yet another incident of Islamophobia during the month of Ramadan.
We must firmly address the rise of Islamophobia and continue to standup against hate in all forms. https://t.co/VXbLbExW7n
— Mitzie Hunter (@MitzieHunter) April 10, 2023
I am deeply saddened to hear of the despicable incident at the #Islamic Society of #Markham located in my riding. There is no place for such violent hate crimes, #Islamophobia and #racist acts anywhere, especially not here in most ethnically #diverse ridings in all of #Canada. pic.twitter.com/OeKBFox5at
— MPP Logan Kanapathi (@LoganKanapathi) April 10, 2023
This violent, hate filled attack on Muslims at the Islamic Society of Markham is a sad reminder that we must keep fighting #Islamophobia & all forms of hate – a fight that must be fought by all of us, together.
Our places of worship must be safe for all those who wish to pray. https://t.co/I5q7qCLnCV— Taleeb Noormohamed 🇨🇦 (@Taleeb) April 10, 2023
This is deeply concerning & totally unacceptable. I am standing with all of my partners in purpose in the #Muslim community & the members of the #MarkhamMosque. We shall not be silent in the face of #Islamophobia. #StrongerTogether https://t.co/8G6SYxTHyd
— Ezra S. Shanken (@eshanken) April 10, 2023
Acts of hate have no place in our communities. The Canadian Tamil Congress stands in solidarity with Islamic Society of Markham and committed to creating welcoming and safe space for all. pic.twitter.com/EIeVTD0tVk
— Canadian Tamil Congress (@ctconline) April 10, 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.”
L'attentat perpétré à la Société islamique de Markham pendant le Ramadan est tout à fait inacceptable. Chaque Canadien doit se sentir en sécurité lorsqu'il se rend dans son lieu de culte. Notre gouvernement continuera à lutter contre l'islamophobie et toutes les formes de haine. https://t.co/klvif5Cddv
— Mark Holland (@markhollandlib) April 10, 2023
The attack at the Islamic Society of Markham during Ramadan is completely unacceptable. Everyone in Canada should feel safe to attend their place of worship. Our government will continue to fight Islamophobia and all forms of hatred. https://t.co/85xmmBj97g
— Mark Holland (@markhollandlib) April 10, 2023
Thank you @HonAhmedHussen for your solidarity with the Muslim community in Markham and beyond during this time of rising #Islamophobia.
This is a time for unity & action. Our places of worship are sacred. So is our right to worship. It's time to stop hate that threatens us all. https://t.co/Ti6iYdufX3
— NCCM (@nccm) April 10, 2023
Thank you @marcomendicino for your solidarity with the Muslim community in Markham and beyond during this time of rising #Islamophobia.
This is a time for unity & action. Our places of worship are sacred. So is our right to worship. It's time to stop hate that threatens us all. https://t.co/SxAW6tohqG
— NCCM (@nccm) April 10, 2023
Thank you @HelenaJaczek for your solidarity with the Muslim community in Markham and beyond during this time of rising #Islamophobia.
This is a time for unity & action. Our places of worship are sacred. So is our right to worship. It's time to stop hate that threatens us all. https://t.co/H1Ldn5z8YC
— NCCM (@nccm) April 10, 2023
Thank you @maritstiles for your solidarity with the Muslim community in Markham and beyond during this time of rising #Islamophobia.
This is a time for unity & action. Our places of worship are sacred. So is our right to worship. It's time to stop hate that threatens us all. https://t.co/Woe1RrUVcS
— NCCM (@nccm) April 10, 2023
Conservatives strongly condemn the criminal actions of an individual who recently disrupted the peaceful worship of congregants at the Islamic Society of Markham, spouting hateful rhetoric and attempting to strike worshippers with his vehicle.
We call on the federal government…
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) April 11, 2023
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.