Terrorism charges added to Mississauga mosque attack

Terrorism charges have been added against a man in connection with an attack on a Mississauga mosque in March.

Today, it was read before the court that Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Service of Canada and the Assistant Deputy Attorney General for the Ministry of the Attorney General consented to the commencement of terrorism proceedings against Mohammad Moiz Omar. The offences Omar is charged with, listed below, constitute terrorist activity pursuant to sections 2, 83.01(1)(b), and 83.27 of the Criminal Code of Canada:

• Assault with a Weapon x2
• Administering Noxious Substance with Intent to Endanger Life or Cause Bodily Harm
• Possession of a Weapon for a Purpose Dangerous to the Public
• Utter a Threat to Cause Death or Bodily Harm
• Carry Concealed Weapons
• Mischief to Religious Property

The charges come following continued investigation by Peel Regional Police and the RCMP regarding the incident that took place at the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga on March 19.

At that time police said a man entered the mosque and discharged bear spray toward the members of the Mosque while brandishing a hatchet. Following the incident, Omar, a 24-year-old man from Mississauga, was charged with several offences.

“Our community has a fundamental right, and deserves, to feel safe and secure. Any attempt to jeopardize the safety of our community will be met with every effort to bring those responsible to justice. This incident has deeply impacted Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre members and carries rippling impacts throughout our community.

People should expect to be able to gather peacefully and safely without fear,” said Chief Nishan Duraiappah. “Our service is committed to continue to working with our partners and the community to ensure that hate and violence have no place in our community.”