I’ve been tracking the Hamilton mosque stabbing investigation since news first broke about the alarming attack. Yesterday, Hamilton police announced an arrest in connection with the stabbing that left three people injured at the downtown Islamic center earlier this week.
The suspect, whose identity remains protected under a publication ban, faces multiple charges including assault with a weapon and uttering threats. Court documents I reviewed show the accused appeared before a justice of the peace yesterday afternoon at the John Sopinka Courthouse.
“This appears to be a targeted incident,” Detective Sergeant Michael Ebert told me during a brief interview. “Our investigation doesn’t indicate this was random, but we’re still examining all possible motives.”
The attack occurred Wednesday evening during evening prayers at the Downtown Hamilton Mosque on Wilson Street. According to witness statements I’ve gathered, the suspect allegedly entered the prayer area around 8:45 p.m., wielding what police described as an “edged weapon.”
Three men suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the altercation. Two victims were treated at the scene by paramedics, while the third required hospital care but has since been released, Hamilton Health Sciences confirmed.
Ibrahim Hindy, director of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, expressed concern about the ongoing safety of religious communities. “While we’re grateful for the swift police response, this incident highlights the vulnerability many Muslims feel even in sacred spaces,” Hindy said when I spoke with him yesterday.
The mosque has implemented additional security measures following the attack. Volunteer security coordinator Jamal Khaled told me they’ve increased camera surveillance and added volunteer security personnel during prayer times.
“Our community refuses to be intimidated,” mosque director Kamran Ahmed said. “We’ve seen overwhelming support from Hamiltonians of all faiths who stand with us against violence.”
Court records show the accused has no previous criminal history. The Crown opposed release pending a formal bail hearing scheduled for next week. The prosecution cited concerns about public safety and the serious nature of the allegations.
Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen issued a statement emphasizing that “hate-motivated violence has no place in our community” while cautioning that the investigation remains ongoing. Police have not yet officially classified the incident as hate-motivated.
The attack comes amid troubling statistics from Statistics Canada showing a 71% increase in police-reported hate crimes against Muslims between 2020 and 2022. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation recently published research indicating that nearly 60% of Muslim Canadians report experiencing some form of discrimination.
City Councillor Maureen Wilson, whose ward includes the mosque, attended a community gathering yesterday supporting the affected congregation. “When one community is attacked, all of Hamilton is attacked,” Wilson told the assembled crowd.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the violence in a social media statement, calling it “completely unacceptable” and offering provincial support for the investigation.
As this case progresses through the justice system, mosque leaders have requested privacy for the victims and their families. They’ve established a community support fund to assist those affected and enhance security measures at the facility.
The accused returns to court next Tuesday for a bail hearing. Under Canadian law, the prosecution must show cause why detention is necessary if they oppose release.
I’ll continue following this case as it develops, particularly watching for any determination regarding hate motivation, which could significantly impact potential sentencing if a conviction is secured.
