Multiple gunmen opened fire during evening prayers at Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec on Sainte-Foy St. where over 100 people were gathered for prayer. The attack left 5 people dead and over 40 others wounded or injured. Police say they have arrested two of the attackers, but have yet to comment as to if the two suspects were the only attackers. Initial reports state the mosque was assaulted by three gunmen, so it is unclear if this was a mistake or if the 3rd gunmen is still on at large.
The Attack on Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec
Two individuals carried out a shooting at a Quebec City mosque Sunday evening that has killed at least five people, according to a the president of the Islamic Centre of Quebec.
Police confirmed that there were many victims in the incident, which occurred shortly before 8 p.m. at the Grand Mosque in the Quebec City suburb of Ste-Foy, while evening prayers were being held.
“There were dead”, said Etienne Doyon, speaking on behalf of the Quebec City police.
Mohamed Yangui, president of the Islamic Centre of Quebec, said five people were killed in the attack, although he was unable to identify the victims. Yangui said that Sunday evening prayers are generally attended by between 60 and 100 people, most of whom are men. The few women in attendance would have been on the second level of the building, above where the shooting occurred, Yangui said.
Why is this happening here? This is barbaric. - Mohamed Yangui, president of the Islamic Centre of Quebec
The Aftermath
One man who was at the mosque told Radio-Canada that there were two attackers wearing ski masks who burst into the building and opened fire. The man, who didn't want to be identified by name, said he narrowly escaped when a bullet whizzed over his head. He said the gunmen took aim at those who were still praying.
Live video posted to the centre's Facebook page shows a heavy presence by emergency responders in the Sainte-Foy neighbourhood on Sunday night.
One of the people behind the camera can be heard saying in Arabic: 'He's escaped. He was on his feet, he's escaped.'
Another man begins naming people who were inside the mosque, but is told to stop in order to avoid worrying anyone who is watching the live video.
'This is the result of Trump,' says one man in Arabic.
The Police Response
According to police one man was arrested at the scene of the attack while another fled. Police surrounded and captured the second suspect on the Ile d'Orleans bridge.
No other details about the suspected shooters has been released. It is not known if they were arrested without incident, or if they were injured.
Police have also not said if they are looking for a third suspect, which witnesses reported seeing a three gunmen in the mosque.
Doyon, the police spokesman, said that both men arrested and would be facing murder charges.
Philippe Couillard, the Premier of Quebec, said on Twitter that the government is mobilized to protect people in the city after the shooting.
He also said, in French, 'Quebec categorically rejects this barbaric violence. Our solidarity is with victims, the injured and their families.'
History of Anti-Muslim Incidents at This Mosque
Muslims in Quebec have been the targets of threats in recent years.
In June 2016, a pig's head was left outside the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec, the same mosque where the shooting occurred Sunday, along with the note 'Bon appetit,' the CBC reported at the time.
The pig's head was left during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The consumption of pork is banned by the Qu'ran.
'It is a waste of time, money and energy. We have high-definition cameras. We will certainly find the person who did this.' - Mohamed Yangui
Sources & Methodology(5 sources)
Time Magazine news coverage of the Quebec City mosque attack, January 29, 2017.
- HuffPost Canada - Quebec City mosque shootingNews Article
HuffPost Canada reporting on the Quebec City mosque shooting.
- AFP (Agence France-Presse) - Twitter live updatesVideo / Audio
AFP Twitter feed providing live updates on the Quebec City mosque attack.
- CBC Canada News Article
- Heavy.com Photoset [deleted]Video / Audio
Methodology
Compiled from live reports, police statements, witness accounts, and official statements from Quebec city officials and mosque leadership on the night of the attack.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened at the Quebec City mosque?
- On the evening of January 29, 2017, gunmen burst into the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec during evening prayers and opened fire. At least five people were killed and over 40 others were wounded or injured. Over 100 people had gathered for prayer when the attack began shortly before 8 p.m.
- How many attackers were involved?
- Initial witness reports described three gunmen wearing ski masks. Police arrested one man at the scene and captured a second suspect on the Ile d'Orleans bridge. Authorities had not confirmed whether they were searching for a third suspect at the time of initial reporting.
- What was the political context of the attack?
- The attack came days after President Trump signed his initial executive order restricting Muslim immigration, which was widely referred to as a 'Muslim ban.' Attendees at the mosque were heard saying 'this is the result of Trump.' Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard condemned the attack as 'barbaric violence' and pledged government mobilization to protect citizens.
- Was this the first attack on this mosque?
- No. In June 2016, a pig's head was left outside the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, along with the note 'Bon appetit.' The mosque president, Mohamed Yangui, said at the time that high-definition cameras would help identify the perpetrator. That incident remained without a publicly announced resolution before this shooting.