Anti-Muslim graffiti in Surrey's Newton neighbourhood prompts RCMP investigation
Police in Surrey say they are investigating "several incidents of anti-Muslim graffiti" that have been found in the city's Newton neighbourhood since July 5.
Photos and video provided to CTV News show the words ‘Islam is evil’ scrawled in black marker on bus stops and street signs, including some near a mosque.
“We’ve had a lot of calls come in (from community members), they feel threatened and they feel scared,” said Imam Sheryar Bashir of the Surrey East Branch of the BC Muslim Association. “Especially after what happened in London, Ontario.”
In early June, a southwest Ontario man drove into five members of a Muslim family, killing four and injuring a nine-year-old boy.
At the time, Muslims across the country expressed safety concerns.
Now, the hateful graffiti cropping up in Surrey has many in that community worried it may be a precursor to something more sinister and dangerous.
With Eid celebrations coming up next week, the mosque has hired private security and wants the RCMP to increase patrols in the area.
“That’s the biggest question on everyone’s mind right now. Are the officials going to protect us when we need them? And are we going to wait for something to happen and then get the security?” said Bashir.
In response to those concerns, Surrey RCMP says it will take steps to help the community feel safe.
“If that means that our members be present in the area at the time of the prayers, we will work that out with (mosque) representatives,” said Cst. Sarbjit Sangha.
The most recent anti-Muslim graffiti appeared on Wednesday.
Police are reviewing video from nearby businesses and traffic cams, and are also asking the public to call in if they see anyone defacing property.
“We believe that these incidents are related to a single person, or a small group of individuals who are doing these incidents,” said Sangha.
Bashir says many people who harbor anti-Muslim sentiments are likely being radicalized and he’d like to see police target online hate networks as well.
“It’s not just one person anymore. These are people that have solid intentions of bringing about bad in the world,” he said. “So, I think CSIS needs to work on this and find those people. Find those small pockets and control the damage right from there.”
Anyone with information about the graffiti is asked to call Surrey RCMP or CrimeStoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Rainfall warnings of up to 80 mm among weather alerts in effect for 6 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres and other alerts have been issued for six Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Calgary police shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers dealt with a distraught individual. The incident lasted almost 20 hours.