Vancouver police increase patrols after threats targeting Muslims

Vancouver Police say they are investigating a threat against the city’s Muslim community and are working closely with the Muslim Association of Canada. The department has increased patrols at locations across the city and asked anyone who receives a threat or has information about a possible threat to contact police immediately.

The association said several of its schools in Ontario, B.C. and Quebec received the same anonymous email this week threatening violence and using explicit language targeting Muslim children, families and community members. It said there is no indication of an imminent or specific threat to its schools, but it has activated security protocols; its schools remain open and operating without disruption.

Police in Ontario’s Peel region said they are aware of a letter containing hate-motivated threats against Islamic institutions and have increased patrols near mosques and schools through the weekend. Police in the London, Ottawa and Waterloo regions are also investigating threatening emails sent to Islamic schools. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the threats are unacceptable and have no place in Canada.

Statistics Canada data show police-reported hate crimes against Muslims rose by more than 170 per cent between 2020 and 2024. The Muslim Association of Canada called for a clear and decisive federal response to Islamophobia.