Muhammad Aman Ullah
July 31, 2026
THE TRUE POST (Web News) – A mosque in Winnipeg, Manitoba, was targeted in a shooting while worshippers were inside, leaving members of the local Muslim community shaken and renewing concerns over a rise in Islamophobic incidents across Canada.
According to police and mosque officials, gunfire struck the mosque’s windows before suspects later returned and caused additional damage to the building. No injuries were reported, but community leaders say the attack has left worshippers feeling unsafe in a place meant for peace and prayer.
Gunfire Reported While Worshippers Were Inside
Authorities said two individuals arrived near the mosque in a vehicle on Wednesday night and allegedly fired at the building while people were inside.
Bullet holes were later found in several windows, confirming that the building had been struck by gunfire.
Later that evening, two individuals reportedly returned on foot and used a heavy object to damage windows and exterior walls, causing further destruction to the property.
Fortunately, no worshippers were physically injured during either incident.
Police Investigating Possible Hate Crime
Winnipeg Police said the suspects allegedly shouted racist and hateful remarks at people outside the mosque before the attack.
Investigators believe the shooting was deliberately directed at the place of worship and have launched an investigation into the incident as a possible hate-motivated crime.
No arrests had been announced as of Friday, and police said efforts to identify the suspects remain ongoing.
Imam Says Community’s Sense of Safety Has Been Shaken
Imam Faisal Adam of the Rahma Islamic Centre said during a press conference that members of the community never imagined such an attack would happen in Winnipeg.
He said the mosque had always been regarded as a place where families could gather safely for worship, but the incident has deeply shaken that sense of security.
The imam also noted that the attack has brought back painful memories of previous Islamophobic violence in Canada.
Mosques Should Be Places of Peace
Qadar Ahmed, President of the Winnipeg Islamic Centre, said mosques are places of worship, community, and family gatherings where parents regularly bring their children.
He stressed that acts of hatred and violence have no place in Manitoba and pledged that the community would remain united against intolerance.
Muslim Organizations Warn of Rising Islamophobia
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) said the Winnipeg attack is part of a troubling pattern of increasing anti-Muslim incidents across the country.
NCCM representative Sadaf Ahmed said several incidents targeting Muslims have been reported in recent weeks and called on authorities to formally investigate the shooting as a hate crime.
Earlier Incidents Fuel Community Concerns
Community leaders pointed to other recent incidents in Winnipeg, including vandalism at Habibiz Café, a Middle Eastern restaurant, earlier this year.
Days later, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque was also vandalized with a swastika, heightening fears among local Muslim residents.
Leaders say the latest attack reinforces concerns about growing religious hatred and the need for stronger protection of places of worship.
Government Condemns the Attack
Manitoba’s Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Nellie Kennedy, described the incident as deeply disturbing and said there is no place for hate-motivated crimes in the province.
She announced that the provincial government would cover the cost of repairing the damage to the mosque and reaffirmed Manitoba’s commitment to protecting all communities.
Prime Minister and Mayor Respond
Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack, saying violence against any place of worship is unacceptable and has no place in Canadian society.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham also expressed concern, stating that every resident should feel safe while attending a place of worship or community centre.
Increased Police Presence
Winnipeg Police said patrols around mosques and Islamic centres have been increased as a precaution while the investigation continues.
Officials estimate that the damage to the mosque exceeds C$3,000, and investigators continue to seek information that could help identify those responsible.
Muslim Community Calls for Stronger Action
Muslim leaders said the incident is not merely an attack on one mosque but an assault on religious freedom, community safety, and social harmony.
They urged federal and provincial governments to strengthen measures against hate crimes, improve security for places of worship, and take meaningful action to combat Islamophobia across Canada.
