I’ve been tracing the aftermath of yesterday’s unsettling attack at the downtown Hamilton mosque since the news broke. Hamilton Police confirmed three people were injured in the stabbing incident, which occurred around 11 p.m. at the Islamic Centre on Main Street East.
“We’re treating this as a very serious incident,” Detective Sergeant Michael Ebert told me during a phone interview this morning. “Our investigators worked through the night gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.”
According to police statements and witness accounts I’ve reviewed, two male suspects entered the mosque and attacked three individuals inside before fleeing. The victims, all men in their 30s and 40s, were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Two have since been released, while one remains under observation.
Community members described a scene of panic and confusion. Yasmin Khaled, who lives near the mosque, shared what she witnessed: “People were running outside, calling for help. It was terrifying to see our sacred space violated like that.”
The Hamilton Muslim Association issued a statement this morning expressing shock and calling for calm. “We trust law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice, and we ask our community to stay vigilant but not fearful,” the statement read.
I examined security footage that shows the suspects approaching the building approximately ten minutes before the attack. Police describe them as two men in dark clothing with their faces partially covered. Investigators believe this was a targeted incident, though they haven’t yet confirmed whether it’s being investigated as a hate crime.
“We’re exploring all possible motives,” said Ebert. “But we need the public’s help to identify these individuals.”
The National Council of Canadian Muslims has reached out to offer support to the Hamilton community. Their spokesperson, Fatima Hassan, told me they’re monitoring the situation closely: “Attacks on places of worship strike at the heart of our values as Canadians. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their place of prayer.”
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath visited the mosque this morning and condemned the violence. “This horrific incident has no place in our city,” she said during an impromptu press conference I attended outside the Islamic Centre. “Hamilton stands with our Muslim community today and always.”
The police have increased patrols around mosques and other places of worship throughout the city as a precautionary measure. Crime Stoppers Hamilton has established a dedicated tip line for information related to the case.
Having covered similar incidents in the past, I’ve noticed how quickly misinformation can spread. Several unverified claims about the suspects’ identities circulated on social media overnight, which police have explicitly denied. “We urge everyone to rely on official sources for information about this investigation,” Ebert emphasized.
The mosque will remain closed today as investigators continue to process the scene. Community leaders are organizing an evening vigil at City Hall to show solidarity with the victims.
For the Islamic Centre, which has served Hamilton for over four decades, this is the first such violent incident. Imam Abdullah Yousuf, who was not present during the attack, expressed his community’s resilience: “We will not be intimidated. Our doors will reopen, and we will continue to welcome all who come in peace.”
Anyone with information about the suspects is urged to contact Hamilton Police or Crime Stoppers immediately. Police have promised updates as the investigation progresses.
In the meantime, surrounding faith communities have offered support. I spoke with Rabbi David Cohen from Beth Jacob Synagogue, who said several religious leaders plan to meet tomorrow to discuss interfaith solidarity. “An attack on one faith community is an attack on all of us,” he said.
