OTTAWA, June 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau labeled as a “terrorist attack” the killing of four members of a Muslim family, who were run down by a man driving a pick-up truck in London, Ontario.
“This killing was no accident. This was a terrorist attack, motivated by hatred, in the heart of one of our communities,” Trudeau said during a speech at the House of Commons.
“Their lives were taken in a brutal, cowardly, and brazen act of violence,” the Prime Minister said.
The family of five was waiting at an intersection in the Canadian city of London on Sunday when a driver intentionally mounted the curb and struck them, killing four, because of their Islamic faith, officials said.
“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,” said Detective Superintendent Paul Waight of the London Police. “There is no known previous connection between the suspect and the victims.”
Trudeau said the victims were two parents, two children and a grandmother. He identified them as Salman Afzaal, his wife Madiha, and their daughter Yumna. Salman and Madiha’s son, Fayez, survived the attack. The grandmother was not identified.
“We all hope that little boy will be able to heal from his injuries quickly even though we know he will have to live a very long time with the sadness, anger and incomprehension caused by the cowardly, Islamophobic attack,” Trudeau said.
Trudeau said Islamophobic attacks throughout the country diminish all Canadians.”This is happening here in Canada and it has to stop,” he said. “We must not become desensitized to this violence. We must not accept this as normal. Every time we witness such hate, we must call it out.”
The House of Commons observed a moment of silence for the victims before Trudeau spoke on Tuesday.
According to Waight, the family was waiting at the intersection when a black pickup truck, driven by 20-year-old Nathaniel Veltman, mounted the curb and struck them. Veltman was later stopped in the parking lot of a mall, where he was arrested, according to police. He has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.
According to Waight, London Police are working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on potential terrorism charges against Veltman.
London is a city in southwestern Ontario with a population of around 385,000 people.
Trudeau said in a statement on Monday that he was horrified by the attack.”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,” Trudeau said.
“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,” he added. — NNN-AGENCIES
