Sask. Muslim community in shock over Quebec City mosque shooting

The Muslim community across Saskatchewan is reeling after a shooting at a Quebec City mosque left six people dead Sunday night.

It’s an event many thought they would never see in Canada.

“We are still in a state of shock, I can’t believe what has happened in this peaceful community of Quebec City,” said Faisal Kahn, president of the Regina chapter of the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan.

“It is indeed very, very shocking. We are still trying to grasp what has happened.”

Regina Police Service confirm the watch command received a call Sunday from one member of a mosque in the city expressing concern.

“They were assured by our watch command that we would be reaching out and doing some follow up,” explained spokesperson Elizabeth Popowich.

“We will be increasing our patrols in the area just simply as a precaution and as a reassurance. Patrol members will drive past a mosque a little more frequently than perhaps in the past.”

The Islamic association noted there have been no incidents of friction between the Muslim community and Regina thus far.

“We in Regina feel very safe. We believe this is a peaceful community and our people feel the same,” Faisal confirmed.

People in Regina will stand in solidarity with the victims of the shooting during a vigil planned in Victoria Park Monday night.

“What’s happened there is a tragedy and we want to just show that, look we are here for you, we support with you and we are not going to stand for this,” said Saad Abbasi, the vigil co-odinator.

The vigil begins at 6 p.m.

No threats against Saskatoon mosques: police chief

Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill told reporters Monday there will be extra patrols around mosques in the city following the Quebec attack.

“We don’t expect anything’s going to happen, that’s far from it,” he said.

“I think when something like this happens people are a little bit fearful and it’s important for us to be there.”

Weighill said he had spoken with imams and will be visiting their congregations to make sure everyone feels safe and listen to any concerns they might have.

A vigil is planned for Saskatoon City Hall on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

– With files from 650 CKOM’s Erin McNutt.