Islamophobic Threats Target Toronto Mosque, Police Launch Investigation

Islamophobic Threats Target Toronto Mosque, Police Launch Investigation
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Police in Toronto have opened an investigation after a local mosque received multiple Islamophobic threats targeting its congregation and staff.

According to Canadian media reports, the Toronto Islamic Centre and Community Services, located on Yonge Street north of Bloor Street, received two threatening phone calls on Wednesday evening, at approximately 7:20 p.m. and 8:41 p.m. The second call reportedly lasted 14 minutes and occurred while an employee was in contact with emergency services.

The Islamic centre stated that the caller made racist and Islamophobic remarks and issued explicit threats of violence, including threats of murder. An audio excerpt later released by the National Council of Canadian Muslims indicated that the caller referenced Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand, warning that a similar incident could occur in Toronto.

The centre’s executive director, Shaffni Nalir, described the threats as deeply disturbing, noting that the mosque had previously received threats in 2020 and 2023. He said the organization is reviewing additional security measures.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow strongly condemned the threats, describing them as heinous and reaffirming that the city will not tolerate Islamophobia or violence against places of worship.