Surrey Islamic centre targeted by hateful, threatening vandalism

Police are investigating hateful and threatening vandalism at a Surrey mosque over the weekend, an incident that has drawn political condemnation and renewed concerns about Islamophobia in Canada.

Members of the Fleetwood Islamic Centre arrived for early-morning prayers Saturday and found “Get Out or Die” and “Islam is Trash” spray-painted on the walls. Raw bacon had also been left on a door handle and near windows. Asif Ali, general secretary of the Fleetwood Islamic Academy Society, said the incident was concerning and frightening, leaving congregants worried about their safety and possible escalation.

Long-time congregant Kasim Amarni said worshippers, especially seniors, were shaken and some were afraid to attend alone. Steven Zhou, a spokesperson for the National Council of Canadian Muslims, said the vandalism shows a need for a national reckoning and a strategy to address the problem.

B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma condemned the vandalism, saying Islamophobia has no place in communities. B.C. Premier David Eby and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke also denounced it. Locke said there is no room in the city for Islamophobia or hate messaging.

Police released images of a suspect and a vehicle believed linked to the vandalism. Investigators say surveillance footage captured a man in the area before the incident who may have been driving a small white four-door sedan. They are determining whether the incident meets the threshold for a hate-motivated offence.

Ali said mosque leaders remain committed to a peaceful community, while the society is increasing security. RCMP continue to investigate, no arrests have been made, and police are asking anyone with information to contact them.