The incident took place at the Atiya Institute of Knowledge, located at 1225 Kennedy Rd., in the Dorset Park neighborhood, CTV News reported on Wednesday.
According to Toronto police, the suspect entered the mosque and directed threats and hate-motivated slurs at the people inside. The individual was reportedly unknown to the mosque attendees and was quickly escorted out after the incident.
Shortly after, officers from Toronto Police’s 41 Division arrested 41-year-old Robbin Lakatos, a Toronto resident.
He has been charged with harassment and uttering threats of death or bodily harm.
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Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow responded to the incident on social media, describing it as a “terrible” example of Islamophobia that has deeply affected the community.
“Islamophobia and any form of hate is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our city. Toronto must be a place where people can feel safe, where they can be free to celebrate their culture, their identity, and to worship without fear,” Chow wrote.
She also thanked the police for their swift action and emphasized the need for a united effort to make Toronto a safe place for everyone.
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The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) also released a statement, saying that the suspect made “Islamophobic, racist, and anti-Palestinian slurs and threats against those inside, including worshippers, teachers, and students.” The group added that while the congregation is shaken by the incident, no one was physically harmed.
“We are in contact with all parties on the ground about this incident, one of many that has swept Canada in the past year,” the NCCM stated.
Toronto police are urging anyone with additional information related to the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
Source: Agencies