5 years since deadly attack
Rianna Lim, The Canadian Press – Jun 6, 2026 / 8:30 am | Story: 618333 Photo: The Canadian Press A man visits the scene and a tribute to the victims of the deadly vehicle attack on five members of the Canadian Muslim community in London, Ont., on Monday, June 14, 2021. A southwestern Ontario community observed the five-year anniversary Saturday of a hate-fueled attack that claimed the lives of four members of a Muslim family. Salman Afzaal, his wife Madiha Salman, their daughter Yumna and her grandmother Talat lost their lives on June 6, 2021, when a man drove his truck into them while they were walking in a London, Ont., neighborhood. The couple’s son, who was nine years old at that time, suffered serious injuries but survived. The attacker was found guilty of four counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in 2023. The judge determined that the murders committed by a self-identified white nationalist were acts of terrorism. This case was notable as it marked the first instance Canada’s terrorism laws were presented to a jury during a first-degree murder trial. Prime Minister Mark Carney paid tribute to the Afzaal family Saturday on this anniversary. “As we honour their memory, we reaffirm our commitment to combatting Islamophobia and hate in all its forms – and to building a safer and more inclusive Canada,” he stated in a social media post. The Youth Coalition Combating Islamophobia organized various events to honor the anniversary, including a community march in London scheduled for Saturday night. Lately, London police Chief Thai Truong mentioned in a statement Friday that this anniversary is an opportunity to remember the Afzaal family and mourn with the Muslim community. He noted that hate can lead to “devastating and deadly” outcomes. “There are moments in the history of a community that leave a mark that never goes away. This was one of those moments for London,” he said. “We remember them not only for what was taken but for what their memory continues to inspire in this city: unity, compassion, courage and responsibility to stand up against hate in all its forms.” This five-year milestone comes as national Muslim organizations urge Ottawa to act on recommendations aimed at tackling Islamophobia. Speaking from Parliament Hill on Thursday, Khaled Al-Qazzaz, leader of the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council pointed out that the assault on the Afzaal family “exposed a reality” faced by Muslim communities across Canada regarding Islamophobia. “Despite years of studies, consultations and public commitments, Muslims in Canada continue facing discrimination, harassment, violence and unequal treatment,” said Al-Qazzaz whose organization has released a new report calling for action against anti-Muslim hate. “Islamophobia is not only shown through individual acts of hatred but also through larger social and institutional structures that keep harming and marginalizing Muslim communities.” The report encourages the federal government to implement recommendations put forth by House and Senate committees aimed at improving training focused on recognizing and preventing discrimination. It also requests $40 million in federal funds for safeguarding mosques and Muslim schools. The group is also advocating for policies holding social media platforms accountable for spreading hate online since mass shootings in Canada have been linked to individuals exposed to extremist content.Source link
