Terrorism charges laid against man that allegedly attacked Mississauga mosque members

Peel Regional Police say an unprovoked assault on Mississauga mosque worshippers in March is now being considered an act of terrorism.

Officers received a call regarding an assault just before 7 a.m. on March 19 at the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre, near Matheson Boulevard and Kennedy Road.

A witness said that several people were inside the mosque for morning prayers when multiple people were sprayed in the eyes and throat with bear spray. Members of the mosque were able to subdue the man while someone called the police.

It’s alleged that several weapons were also strapped to the man’s body, including a hatchet and some knives.

Mohammed Moiz Omar, a 24-year-old from Mississauga, was arrested at the scene.

Moiz was charged with assault with a weapon, administering a noxious substance with intent to endanger life or cause bodily harm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, uttering a threat to cause death or bodily injury, carrying a concealed weapon, and mischief to religious property.

On Wednesday, police said the Public Prosecution Service of Canada and Attorney General of Canada agreed to the commencement of terrorism proceedings in the case.

RELATED: Mosque attacker in Mississauga allegedly there to ‘kill terrorists’: imam

Should Moiz be found guilty, sentencing could be increased to life without parole.

Today at the Fajr (dawn prayer) at the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga, our congregants were subject to a violent attack.

An individual came wielding an ax and carrying numerous other sharp edged weapons, as well as pepper spray. (1/3

— Ibrahim Hindy (@Hindy500) March 19, 2022

“Our community has a fundamental right, and deserves, to feel safe and secure. Any attempt to jeopardize the safety of our community will be met with every effort to bring those responsible to justice,” said Peel’s police chief, Nishan Duraiappah.

“This incident has deeply impacted Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre members and carries rippling impacts throughout our community. People should expect to be able to gather peacefully and safely without fear.”

Toronto Mayor John Tory, Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly condemned the hate-motivated attack.

Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre: Incident “shook” community

In a joint statement by Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre (DAT) and the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), both institutions welcomed the decision to charge Moiz with terrorism-related offences.

Imam Ibrahim Hindy says the attack deeply affected the community, which has been “increasingly victimized by hateful violence.”

“It just shows how violent Islamophobia continues to be an existential threat to our community members,” Hindy said. “I hope today will be the first step towards justice when it comes to this shocking and violent incident that could have been so much worse if it weren’t for the courage of our community members.”

DAT and the NCCM said that when congregants at the Mississauga mosque physically resisted Moiz, he allegedly responded that he wanted to “kill terrorists.”

“Attendees of that morning’s prayer service who were put through this incident are traumatized by the ordeal. Many have sought mental health services and therapy,” DAT and the NCCM said.

“Others as young as 13-years-old continue to grapple with the psychological effects of being targeted inside an Islamic place of worship — a place of safety that represents a peaceful and spiritual retreat from the outside world.”

Hindy says both organizations are seeking justice.

“Now is not the time for more empty words,” Hindy said. “We are tired of waiting; we need action now.”