ON March 19, Mohammad Moiz Omar entered into the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga and discharged bear spray toward the members of the mosque while brandishing a hatchet. Following the incident, Omar, a 24-year-old man from Mississauga, was charged with several offences.
On Wednesday, Ontario’s Peel Regional Police and the RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team announced additional charges.
It was read before the court that Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Service of Canada and the Assistant Deputy Attorney General for the Ministry of the Attorney General consented to the commencement of terrorism proceedings against Omar. The offences Omar is charged with constitute terrorist activity:
- Assault with a weapon (two counts)
- Administering noxious substance with intent to endanger life or cause bodily harm
- Possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public
- Utter a threat to cause death or bodily harm
- Carry concealed weapons
- Mischief to religious property
“Our community has a fundamental right, and deserves, to feel safe and secure. Any attempt to jeopardize the safety of our community will be met with every effort to bring those responsible to justice. This incident has deeply impacted Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre members and carries rippling impacts throughout our community. People should expect to be able to gather peacefully and safely without fear,” said Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.
“Our service is committed to continue to working with our partners and the community to ensure that hate and violence have no place in our community”.
If you believe you have witnessed, or are aware of, any criminal extremism and/or suspicious activities which could pose a threat to public safety and/or national security, you are encouraged to report it to Peel Regional Police at 905-453-3311 or within Canada to the National Security Information Network at 1-800-420-5805.
In the event of an emergency, always dial 9-1-1.
Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to call investigators at 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-453–2121, extension 1233. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.
