June 18, 2021

In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

We are providing an update to the security incident that occurred on Tuesday at IIT.

Police have arrested and charged two individuals with charges pertaining to break and enter, threatening death and endangering life. Police have said that at this time there is no evidence of a hate-motivated crime. Our understanding is that the individuals are now out on bail, pending a court appearance.

While we acknowledge that these are serious crimes, and the incident has shaken our community especially after the London attacks, we are relieved to know that a determination has been made that it is not hate-motivated. Hate, especially hate based off the irrational fear of Muslims or any other faith community, has the potential to seriously erode our sense of safety and creates an environment of mistrust and insecurity.

We are thankful for the rapid response of Toronto Police and support from all levels of government.

We are also deeply indebted to our community, members of the wider community, Imams and leaders of other faith groups as well as Canadians at large for their support and understanding.

We are confident that law enforcement and the Justice system will apprehend and prosecute those who aim at creating fear and mistrust in our society.

Let us all work towards understanding, love, compassion and the building of a peaceful society.