‘Our souls are numb’: Mosque to host vigil for family killed in London, Ont., terrorist attack

Pandemic restrictions were eased Tuesday to allow mourners to attend a vigil for a Muslim family cut down as they took their regular evening stroll in what many have characterized as an act of terrorism.

The London Muslim Mosque said the city and the country are devastated in the aftermath of Sunday’s attack, which left four dead and sent a nine-year-old boy to hospital.

Police have said the family members were targeted because of their Muslim faith.

They say a pickup truck, driven by a 20-year-old London man, mounted a curb, struck them as they were out for an evening walk and then drove away.

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Police have not released the names of the victims, but a statement released by the family late Monday identifies them as Salman Afzaal, 46, his 44-year-old wife Madiha Salman, their 15-year-old daughter Yumna Salman and Afzaal’s 74-year-old mother.

The couple’s nine-year-old son Fayez was seriously injured but is expected to survive.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford were among dignitaries expected to join grief-stricken members of the community at the main mosque in London, Ont., for the commemoration.

“We’re gathering here with our leaders, with our community, to mourn together because this is a horrific attack,” said Omar Khamissa, with the National Council for Canadian Muslims.

“Our souls are numb.”

Sana Yasir, a friend of the family who lived down the street, confirmed she had been in touch with Afzaal’s brother and sister-in-law and released the statement on their behalf.

“We need to understand that the destruction of a family in the brutal and horrific manner like this is something we must all stand against,” the statement reads.

“We need to stand against hate and Islamophobia and raise awareness in our communities and throughout all political spectrum.”

GoFundMe fundraiser for Salman family

Yasir said the family was well known within the local Pakistani-Muslim community.

“They were the most loving, caring and genuine family and would always greet you with a smile,” she said.

Dozens came out to the scene of the attack on Monday night to pay tribute.

People cried, hugged and placed flowers around a light pole and a nearby tree, a metre away from where the truck hopped the curb onto the sidewalk.

Rauf Ahmad and three of his friends watched the growing tribute on the corner. The group said they all had members who were killed in Pakistan over their Muslim faith.

“I didn’t think there was racism in Canada and I felt very safe when I came here two years ago, but I do not feel safe now,” Ahmad said.

“Humanity is first, we should not care about whether someone is a Muslim, a Jew or a Christian.”

Nathaniel Veltman has been arrested and charged with murder in the attack.

Premier Ford, Trudeau condemn ‘horrific and deliberate’ attack on Muslim family

Ontario’s Premier issued a statement Tuesday condemning the attack against a Muslim family of five.

“The horrific and deliberate attack on a Muslim family in London has left our province in mourning,” the Premier’s office said.

Ford says the four murders were “nothing short of a terrorist attack,” with the Premier offering condolences to the family and the Muslim community.

“In response to this terrible tragedy, all government events have been cancelled for the remainder of today in order to help give the family and community the space they need to grieve this devastating loss of life.”

Premier Doug Ford is expected to travel to London to attend the vigil at the London Muslim Mosque.

“Our government is currently working with the local public health unit to temporarily amend certain restrictions in order to allow the community to safely gather to grieve and memorialize this family during tonight’s vigil.”

Ford is among the many politicians to react to Sunday’s shocking Islamaphobic attack.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also expected to attend Tuesday’s vigil in London.

“Their lives were taken in a brutal, cowardly, and brazen act of violence,” Trudeau told the House of Commons.

“This was a terrorist attack, motivated by hatred, in the heart of one of our communities.”