Trudeau condemns deadly hate-attack on Canadian Muslim family
Over several tweets following the incident, the president denounced the hateful act and pledged to remain steadfast in combating growing Islamophobia in the country
Canadian President Justin Trudeau has condemned the latest hate crime against the country's Muslim community that took place on Sunday evening (local time) and killed four members of a family.
Over several tweets following the incident, the president denounced the heinous attack and pledged to remain steadfast in combating growing Islamophobia in the country.
The Canadian president affirmed his support for the country's Muslim community and said, "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."
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Expressing his grief over the hateful crime, President Trudeau said he has been "horrified by the news."
"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."
In another tweet, he consoled the grieving Muslim community saying he will do everything to stop such hateful crimes.
"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."
The incident took place as 20-year-old resident Nathaniel Veltman drove his black pick-up truck south on Hyde Park Road, mounted the sidewalk, and struck the family members.
A 74-year-old woman died at the scene. A 44-year-old woman, a 46-year-old man, and a 15-year-old girl were rushed to hospital by paramedics, but they later died of their injuries. A nine-year-old boy related to the deceased was also taken to hospital where he is being treated for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
According to police, it was a "planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate" and "the victims were targeted because of their Islamic faith"
Veltman, a London, Ontario, resident, was arrested after the incident, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. He is due back in court on Thursday after being remanded to custody on Monday.
