'The more hatred we see, the more love we have to respond with:' Regina vigil held for Quebec Mosque shooting victims

A couple hundred people gathered in Victoria Park Monday night to stand in solidarity with those affected by a deadly shooting in Quebec.

The shooting took place Sunday night at a mosque in Quebec City. Six people were killed.

“The more hatred we see, the more love we have to respond with, that should be our message” Saad Abbasi, co-organizer of the vigil, said into a megaphone to the crowd that had gathered.

Some people at the vigil were holding candles and a variety of signs, including one with a peace sign painted on it and another reading “Regina stands with you in love and solidarity.”

“It’s a good way to let our Muslim brothers and sisters here in Regina know that we’re behind them and that we stand with them and that we don’t condone what happened in Quebec, it could’ve just as well have happened here,” said Aurora Elig, one of the many taking part in the event.

Faraz Akbar was glad to see so many people from different backgrounds at the vigil.

“I can see more people than Muslims here, like Christians, Canadians, they also join us in this moment of grief and we are really thankful,” Akbar said.

Abbasi was also glad to see so many people out, despite the event only being planned earlier in the day.

“It just shows the power of diversity and this city is a great place and I’m glad to be a citizen here and a resident here,” Abbasi said. “Through our diversity, we’re going to overcome these battles.”

A vigil is expected to take place in Saskatoon at 6 p.m. Tuesday night.