Thriving Islamophobia Killed Pakistani-Muslim Family in Canada

A premeditated attack that took lives of 4 members of a Pakistani-origin Muslim family in Canada signifies that Islamophobia is in its prime in the west.

A man driving a pickup truck rammed into a Muslim family and killed 4 members and injured one, a nine-year-old boy, who is in hospital with serious injuries.

The 20-year-old suspect fled the scene but was arrested at a mall 7 kilometers away in London city, Ontario.

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Detective Superintendent Paul Waight informed the media that the victims were targeted because of their religion.

“There is evidence that this was a planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate”, he added.

On the other hand, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also endorsed that the attack is an instance of the growing Islamophobia in the west.

“We’ll continue to use every tool we have to combat Islamophobia – and we’ll be here for those who are grieving”, he wrote.

I spoke on the phone this evening with @LdnOntMayor and @NTahir2015 about the hateful and heinous attack that took place in London, Ontario yesterday. I let them know we’ll continue to use every tool we have to combat Islamophobia – and we’ll be here for those who are grieving.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 8, 2021

The prime minister extended his condolence to the victims’ family and vowed Islamophobia will not be welcomed in the country.

I’m horrified by the news from London, Ontario. To the loved ones of those who were terrorized by yesterday’s act of hatred, we are here for you. We are also here for the child who remains in hospital – our hearts go out to you, and you will be in our thoughts as you recover.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 7, 2021

“To the Muslim community in London and to Muslims across the country, know that we stand with you. Islamophobia has no place in any of our communities. This hate is insidious and despicable – and it must stop”, he wrote on Twitter.

Not only him, but London Mayor Ed Holder also said that this was an act of mass murder, perpetrated against Muslims, against Londoners, and rooted in unspeakable hatred.

“We grieve for the family, three generations of whom are now deceased”, he added.

The mayor maintained that the attack was the worst against Canadian Muslims since the Quebec mosque attack.

Additionally, Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the attack.

Saddened to learn of the killing of a Muslim Pakistani-origin Canadian family in London, Ontario. This condemnable act of terrorism reveals the growing Islamophobia in Western countries. Islamophonia needs to be countered holistically by the international community.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 8, 2021

The names of the slain were kept in a veil as per the wish of other family members.

Earlier in 2017, in a terrorist attack on a mosque in Quebec, 6 worshippers were killed and 5 others were seriously injured.