Five people were injured in an attack on a mosque in Toronto, a troubling event that unfolded over a late Friday into the early hours of Saturday. Police in Canada confirmed the incident and began a full investigation, focusing on what appears to have been a sudden act of violence towards a community place of worship. The attack prompted swift responses from local authorities, emergency crews, and leaders within the Muslim community who are urging calm and cooperation as details continue to emerge. Witnesses described a tense scene as people were about to leave after prayers, with the mood shifting from routine devotion to sudden fear as shots rang out. The incident underscores the importance of public safety and vigilance at religious sites, and it has sparked conversations about security measures that can help prevent similar events in the future.
The attack involved individuals firing from a moving vehicle at worshippers who were gathered in a parking area adjacent to the mosque after the midnight prayer. The perpetrators appeared to target a peaceful assembly and used a moving car as a means to inflict harm. Those hurt were among the congregation and volunteers who had stayed on site to assist with post-service activities and community support. The moment was chaotic, with people seeking shelter behind parked cars and calling for help while others phoned emergency services. Investigators said the sequence suggested a rapidly coordinated strike, though the exact motive remains under review as officers collect video footage and interview witnesses. The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of places of worship in urban neighborhoods and the need for community resilience in the face of such threats.
Sergeant David Rydzik provided an update at a press conference, noting that five people sustained gunshot injuries on Markham Street, with the shots reportedly fired from a vehicle in motion. He emphasized that the information was preliminary and that investigators were meticulously tracing the incident timeline, the vehicle involved, and the possible identities of the attackers. Authorities are working to piece together how the assailants located the gathering, what preceded the shooting, and whether the event was planned or opportunistic. The police presence around the area has been increased to reassure residents and to facilitate the ongoing inquiry. Community safety officials are coordinating with neighborhood leaders to share guidance on staying safe and reporting suspicious activity without fear of retaliation.
Although the hospital status of the injured initially suggested all were out of immediate danger, four people remained seriously hurt and were admitted for treatment, while the fifth patient sought medical care independently. Medical staff described fluctuating conditions as doctors performed life-saving interventions and monitored for potential complications. Emergency responders remained on scene for hours to stabilize patients, secure the area, and preserve evidence for investigators. The hospital system reported that the victims were receiving appropriate care, and family members were kept informed as information became available. Community advocates stress the need for continued health monitoring and access to support services for those affected and their families in the days ahead.
Three of the five injured, aged between 28 and 35, were discharged from the hospital after initial treatment, while the remaining two are expected to recover with ongoing medical care. Doctors emphasized that recovery prospects depend on the diversity of injuries and the individuals’ responses to rehabilitation. Community health workers have offered resources to assist those impacted with physical therapy, mental health support, and practical guidance for navigating the aftermath of violence. The incident has prompted local clinics to extend hours for follow-up visits and to coordinate with social services to address potential long-term needs arising from the attack. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious that could help prevent future harm.
Police are actively identifying the attacker(s) and have not yet confirmed if the motive was religiously motivated. The hate crimes division has joined the investigation to examine potential bias elements, review surveillance footage, and determine whether any threats or threats of violence were preceding the incident. Officers are asking for help from the public to locate witnesses and to provide any video or vehicle descriptions that could lead to quicker resolution. The investigation remains a collaborative effort, with investigators coordinating across precincts and engaging with community leaders to ensure a transparent process that respects the safety and rights of all residents involved. Community members are urged to stay patient as law enforcement works through the facts and follows up on every credible lead.
Nadeem Sheikh, spokesperson for the Scarborough Muslim Association, expressed profound concern and anger about the incident. He stated that five elderly family members were among those injured and called on authorities to allocate the necessary resources to pursue the perpetrators and to curb gun violence that threatens communities. Sheikh and other leaders have urged calm, urged faith communities not to retaliate, and emphasized the importance of unity, dialogue, and collaboration with law enforcement. He highlighted the role of community organizations in offering support, promoting peaceful resolution, and helping families affected by violence to access critical services. The collective response from the Muslim community centers on advocacy for safety, accountability, and constructive engagement with authorities to ensure that faith spaces remain open, welcoming, and secure for all worshippers.