The quiet prayers at Ibrahim Jam-E Mosque in downtown Hamilton were shattered Wednesday evening when violence erupted inside the place of worship on King Street East, leaving three people with stab wounds and a community in shock.
Hamilton Police responded to the mosque shortly before 9 p.m., discovering three male victims suffering from stab wounds. The men, aged 31, 46, and 69, were transported to hospital with injuries police described as serious but non-life-threatening. By Thursday morning, all three victims had been released from medical care.
“This kind of violence targeting a place of worship strikes at the very heart of our community values,” said Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen in a statement Thursday. “We’re committing every necessary resource to locate the suspects and ensure justice for the victims.”
Police believe two male suspects entered the mosque during evening prayers before the attack occurred. Both fled the scene before officers arrived. Investigators haven’t yet determined whether the victims were specifically targeted or if this was a random act of violence.
The assault has sent ripples of concern through Hamilton’s Muslim community during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a time typically marked by increased attendance at prayer services.
“People are understandably shaken,” said Kamran Bhatti, a spokesperson for the Canadian Council of Muslims. “When you can’t feel safe in your place of worship, it affects the entire community’s sense of security. We’re grateful the injuries weren’t more severe, but the psychological impact shouldn’t be underestimated.”
Security camera footage from the mosque and surrounding businesses is being reviewed as part of the investigation. Police have released only limited descriptions of the suspects, describing both as males in their 20s, one wearing a black hoodie and the other in a gray sweatshirt at the time of the attack.
Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch visited the mosque Thursday morning and spoke with community members. “The resilience I witnessed today was remarkable,” Kroetsch told me. “Despite the trauma of last night, people were back for morning prayers, refusing to let fear dictate their faith practices.”
The mosque’s imam, who asked not to be named while the investigation continues, said that despite the attack, the mosque would remain open for all regularly scheduled prayer services. “We have faith in the police investigation and will be enhancing our security measures, but our doors remain open to all who come in peace.”
Hamilton has seen a troubling rise in hate-motivated incidents over the past three years, according to police statistics. In 2023, there were 86 reported hate crimes in the city, up 18 percent from the previous year, with religious communities frequently among the targets.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) issued a statement urging authorities to investigate thoroughly whether hate or bias played a role in the attack. “While we await more details, the timing of this violence during Ramadan raises serious concerns,” noted Mustafa Farooq, CEO of the NCCM.
Premier Doug Ford condemned the violence on social media: “Horrified to hear about the attack at a mosque in Hamilton. Violence of any kind has no place in our province, especially at a place of worship. My thoughts are with the victims and the Muslim community.”
The incident follows concerning patterns of attacks on religious institutions across Canada. Statistics Canada data shows that hate crimes against religious communities increased by 67 percent between 2019 and 2023, with mosques and synagogues frequently targeted.
A large police presence remained at the mosque Thursday, with forensic investigators combing the scene for evidence. Officers were also canvassing the neighborhood, seeking additional witnesses or doorbell camera footage that might help identify the suspects.
Community support has poured in, with neighboring faith groups offering solidarity. Rabbi David Mivasair from Hamilton’s Beth Jacob Synagogue visited the mosque Thursday afternoon.
