'We can't even walk on the street': Winnipeg Islamic community holds vigil, calls for change in wake of London, Ont., attack
Members of the Islamic community in Winnipeg are mourning the deaths of four members of an Ontario family killed in an alleged targetted attack.
About 250 vehicles packed the parking lot of the Winnipeg Grand Mosque on Thursday evening in the wake of the hit-and-run in London, Ont.
Salman Afzaal, his wife Madiha, their 15-year-old daughter Yumna and Salman's 74-year-old mother were killed when a truck mounted a curb and hit them.
Nine-year-old Fayez Afzaal survived and is recovering.
"People need to know that real lives are affected and impacted – we now have to pick up the pieces of our community's heart and put it back together," said Shahina Siddiqui, the executive director of the Islamic Social Services Association.
The vigil was organized by the Manitoba Islamic Association to honour the Afzaal family. Amid the mourning were calls for change.
"I believe there will be a next one if we don't do anything," Siddiqui said.
She pointed to previous attacks in Canada, including a 2017 shooting at a Quebec mosque that killed six Muslim men.
"It is unfortunate that something so horrific has to happen and over and over again," she said.
"We've come to this now. We can't even walk on the street."
Organizers at the vigil called for Canadian leaders to immediately address hate, racism and Islamophobia.
Eleven-year-old Ali was at the rally with his parents and four siblings. He said he would like to see Canadians make some changes in their own lives.
"If people would respect one another, instead of hurting each other because this has been going on for way too long," he said.
It's a call for change he says is needed before history repeats itself once again.
A funeral for the four members of the Afzaal family is planned for this Saturday in London.
Nathaniel Veltman, 20, is facing four counts of first-degree murder in connection to the attack. The charges have not been proven in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.