Nine schools operated by the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) have been placed on heightened security alert after receiving anonymous emails containing violent threats against Muslims, according to Canadian media reports.
The same email was reportedly sent to schools in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec over a period of about 24 hours. The message was reportedly signed by an individual using the name “Citizen Vigilante” and contained threats of violence against Muslims and statements calling for Canada to become “Islam free.”
Police Investigations Underway
- Several Canadian police agencies are investigating the threats.
- Peel Regional Police said it was aware of a letter containing hate motivated threats against Islamic institutions. The force increased police patrols around mosques and schools and said its hate crime unit is investigating.
- Police in London, Ontario, and Waterloo Region have also confirmed investigations into threatening emails sent to Islamic schools. Officers in Waterloo visited a school and carried out safety planning with school officials.
- In Ottawa, police increased visibility around locations that received the messages. However, Ottawa Police said there was no indication of a specific or imminent threat to religious or educational institutions in the city.
Additional Security at Schools
- Nabil Sultan, a spokesperson for the Muslim Association of Canada, said the organization has hired additional private security as a precaution.
- Sultan said MAC has previously received threatening and Islamophobic messages, but described the latest incident as particularly concerning because the threats directly targeted schools and involved children and educators.
Government Response
- Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said he was deeply disturbed by the threats and emphasized that children should be able to attend school safely.
- The incident has also raised concerns among parents, students and educators about security at Muslim educational institutions and the broader issue of anti Muslim hate in Canada.
No Confirmed Imminent Attack
- Authorities have increased security and launched investigations, but the available police statements do not indicate that an attack on the schools is imminent.
- The investigation is focused on identifying the person or people responsible for sending the threatening communications and determining whether criminal offences were committed.
- The Muslim Association of Canada has urged the authorities to take the threats seriously while continuing to provide a safe environment for students and staff.
- The case remains under investigation by multiple Canadian police agencies.
