Man charged in ‘hate-motivated’ attack at Ontario mosque

Officials at a Markham, Ont., mosque are set to provide more information Monday on an alleged hate-motivated incident that took place last week.

The Islamic Society of Markham (ISM) says on the morning of April 6 an individual came to the mosque and apparently tore a copy of the Qur’an while directing racist and Islamophobic rants toward worshippers. According to officials, the centre on Denison Street was much busier than usual due to Ramadan.

“The individual, upon exiting the mosque, then attempted to run over or strike worshippers with his vehicle,” the society said in a statement.

“We are deeply troubled by this incident, especially as we near the anniversary of the London Terror Attack, where a family in London was run down in an act of hatred.”

York Regional Police arrested 28-year-old Sharan Karunakaran in Toronto on Friday. He has been charged with uttering threats, assault with a weapon, and dangerous driving.

Peel police say 28-year-old Sharan Karunakaran has been charged with uttering threats, assault with a weapon, and dangerous driving. PRP/HO

Police say they are concerned there may be other victims and have asked anyone to contact them.

“We’re concerned about the brazen nature of this incident and investigators are worried that, perhaps, there may be other incidents that have taken place at other mosques or at other public events where people may have been treated in a similar fashion,” Sgt. Clint Whitney tells CityNews.

The local member of Parliament, Trade Minister Mary Ng, says she was “deeply disturbed” to learn of the alleged attack.

Deeply disturbed to hear of the violent hate crimes and racist behaviour at the Islamic Society of Markham. To Muslims in Markham and Canada, I stand with you. (1/3) https://t.co/sHCSlwI5Ts

— Mary Ng (@mary_ng) April 8, 2023

Another day, another hate-motivated attack in Ontario. We're approaching the anniversary of the London Terror Attack and words are not enough when governments can take real action to keep communities safe and stop Islamophobia.#onpoli #Ramadan2023#MarkhamMosque https://t.co/BsiyvZqxP2

— Kristyn Wong-Tam ???????? (@kristynwongtam) April 9, 2023

This is not the first incident of this kind in this country.

In 2021, an entire Muslim family was the target of a hit and run in London, Ontario — four of five members were killed. A year earlier, a volunteer caretaker at a Toronto mosque was stabbed to death and one of the most high-profile incidents took place in January 2017 at a Quebec City mosque that left six dead and dozens wounded.

(Source: Islamophobia Legal Assistance Hotline)