About 100 members of Windsor's Muslim community as well as non-Muslim community members gathered at the Windsor Mosque to remember the victims of the Québec City Mosque attack on Tuesday.
It was two years ago on January 29, 2017 when a lone gunman opened fire and killed six worshippers and injured 19 others. The six victims of the attack ranged in age from 39 to 60 years old.
Windsor Islamic Association Spokesperson, Dr. Sinan Yasarlar says shootings and violence have unfortunately become the norm.
"We being here is evident that not hatred nor racism nor violence, but that love respect and faith prevail amongst us," says Yasarlar. "Whether it's domestic violence, violence against women, violence against civilians, we are standing up here today against bigotry, hatred, racism and violence all together."
Speakers are preaching peace, patience and the importance of community, saying "the Canada we know is not like this." #cklw pic.twitter.com/ADmguzLpLL
— Kristylee Varley (@KVarley800) January 29, 2019
He says events such as the vigil are meant to be a reminder that Canada is a free country.
"Freedom of worship, freedom of who you are and I think what happens in these type of unfortunate incidents, it brings people together," says Yasarlar.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Québec Premier Philippe Couillard referred to the shooting as a terrorist attack, but the shooter, Alexandre Bissonnette, was not charged under the terrorism provision of the Criminal Code.