Winnipeg police are investigating a suspected hate crime after a Winnipeg mosque shooting left the city’s Muslim community reeling this week. The Rahma Islamic Centre became the target of a frightening attack that has sparked fear, anger, and calls for justice across Manitoba. “It’s disgusting,” said one community leader, capturing the mood of a neighbourhood still processing the shock.

What Happened at Rahma Islamic Centre

According to the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS), two individuals fired multiple shots from a vehicle at the mosque on Wednesday night. Investigators believe the damage was likely caused by an airsoft or pellet gun rather than a conventional firearm. Afterward, the same suspects reportedly used another object to smash several windows at the building.

Shattered glass still covers the ground outside the centre, and boarded-up windows now mark the spot where the attack occurred. The centre also reported that the individuals shouted racial slurs at people gathered outside earlier that same day. As a result, the WPS is treating the case as a potential hate-motivated crime.

“The WPS is treating the incident as a potential hate-motivated crime involving both property damage and the reported discharge of a firearm at a mosque,” police said in a news release. Officers also confirmed they will increase patrols in and around the Rahma Islamic Centre and other area mosques. Fortunately, no one was injured, though police estimate the damage at roughly $3,000.

Community Reaction to the Mosque Attack

The mosque shooting in Winnipeg has sent shockwaves through the local Muslim community. Noris Zeid, second vice-chair of the Manitoba Islamic Association (MIA), said he was appalled when he first heard the news. “Nobody likes seeing this happen,” Zeid said. “People are fearful, they are scared for their kids, their families.”

Zeid added that the emotional toll on the community has been significant. “Emotionally, our community is rocked,” he said. “It’s disgusting and puts a lot of fear in the community.” Meanwhile, Feisal Adem, the centre’s director and imam, explained that congregation members were peacefully gathered for prayer when the frightening incident took place.

“The peace and sense of security our members once felt have been deeply shaken by this incident,” Adem said during a news conference on Thursday. He also expressed hope that authorities would identify those responsible. “We hope that those responsible will be identified and held accountable for their actions,” he added.

Shahina Siddiqui, executive director of the Islamic Social Services Association in Winnipeg, echoed similar concerns. She said the news brought back painful memories of past attacks on Muslim communities. “It always brings back memories of the same kind of attacks that have happened, and it gives a lot of anxiety,” Siddiqui said. “You want to be feeling safe, especially in the places of worship, which are supposed to be sanctuaries, and facing hate in this obscene way.”

Despite the fear, Zeid insisted that his community would not back down. “We are part of this society. We are not going to be going nowhere,” he said. “We’re going to be cautious; we’re going to be extra careful, but at the end of the day, we’re going to do what we’re going to want to do and to live our lives.”

Officials Condemn the Winnipeg Mosque Shooting

Political leaders quickly responded after news of the Winnipeg mosque shooting spread. During Thursday’s news conference, Manitoba’s Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy announced that the province would fund repairs to the centre. Her statement offered some reassurance to a community searching for support.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham also condemned the attack, calling it “deeply troubling.” “There is no place in Winnipeg for hate, intimidation or Islamophobia,” Gillingham wrote on Facebook. “No one should feel unsafe in a place of worship or community gathering.” Prime Minister Mark Carney later echoed similar sentiments online.

“I’m grateful no one was injured. Law enforcement has my full support as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Carney wrote. So far, no arrests or charges have been made in connection with the incident. Consequently, investigators continue to appeal for any information from the public.

A Painful Pattern for Canadian Mosques

This incident is not an isolated one. In fact, Canada has witnessed several tragic attacks on its Muslim communities in recent years. In 2017, six people were killed and many others were injured during an attack at a mosque in Quebec.

Similarly, in 2021, a truck attack killed four members of a Muslim family in London, Ontario. These earlier tragedies explain why community leaders like Siddiqui say the recent shooting reopens old wounds. Nevertheless, community members continue to emphasize resilience over fear.

Moving Forward After the Attack

Although the investigation remains ongoing, Winnipeg’s Muslim community has made its position clear. Members say they refuse to be intimidated, even as they take extra precautions. Meanwhile, police continue to patrol the area to reassure worshippers and deter further incidents.

As the WPS investigation progresses, community leaders hope for accountability and lasting change. For now, the Rahma Islamic Centre stands as a symbol of both vulnerability and resilience. The broader hope, shared by officials and residents alike, is that this mosque shooting becomes a turning point rather than another entry in a troubling pattern.