THE Fleetwood Islamic Academy Society of Surrey says that last weekend members its congregation at the Fleetwood Islamic Center in Surrey “discovered that the facility had been vandalized overnight with hateful and threatening graffiti and pieces of raw bacon, reminiscent of the pig matter left in front of the Quebec City Mosque before the 2017 massacre there.”

Asaf Ali Haji, general secretary of Society said in a statement posted on the Center’s Facebook: “Threats like “Get out or die!” and “Islam is Trash” were found written on the walls of the mosque by our community’s attendees who arrived in the morning for prayer. Pieces of raw bacon were also found hanging from a door handle, as well as near the windows.”

He added: “Our community members and staff are disgusted by this latest discovery and are cooperating with local authorities, including the RCMP and Surrey Police.”

Haji said: “We also know that these kinds of threats and similar Islamophobic acts have afflicted Muslims across the country on almost a daily basis in recent months. We are taking all steps and procedures to ensure our congregants stay safe, and we urge all leaders in BC to stand up with us against hateful attacks and ensure a better future for all communities here in Surrey.”

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said in a statement on Wednesday: “The hateful messages and threats directed at the Fleetwood Islamic Centre are deeply offensive and heartbreaking. Attempts to intimidate people because of their faith undermine the sense of safety and belonging that every resident deserves.

“I stand with the Muslim community and the members of the Fleetwood Islamic Centre at this difficult time. I am grateful to the RCMP for their work investigating this incident to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

SURREY Police said that the incident is believed to have taken place in the overnight hours between Friday, August 28 at 11 p.m. and Saturday, August 29 at 10 a.m. 

Investigators are looking to identify an individual who was observed on video surveillance at the Fleetwood Islamic Center before the alleged incident took place.

The suspect is described as a male, wearing a dark green hoodie with red lettering on the front, dark cargo pants, and red shoes with white soles, and carrying a blue bag. He is believed to be driving a small, white four-door sedan (see photos).

Police continue to gather information to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. As a part of the investigation, police are also working to determine whether hate was a motivating factor in this incident. The RCMP takes all reports of hate-motivated incidents and hate crimes seriously. Investigators are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to establish all the facts.

Anyone with information about the identity of the individual or who may have dashcam or video footage of the incident is asked to contact Surrey Police Service at 604-599-0502 and speak with investigators regarding file # 26-27049 (SU).