In a shocking incident that has rattled the Hamilton community, police have arrested a suspect following a violent triple stabbing at the Ibrahim Jame Mosque on Tuesday evening. The attack, which occurred during evening prayers, left three individuals injured and a community in distress as authorities work to determine whether the assault was motivated by hate.
Hamilton Police responded to emergency calls at approximately 9:30 p.m. at the mosque located on Main Street East. According to witness accounts, a man entered the prayer space and began attacking worshippers with a knife during a time when the mosque was particularly active with evening prayer attendees.
“The victims sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries,” confirmed Detective Inspector Sara Thompson of the Hamilton Police Service. “The swift response of other mosque members likely prevented further casualties as they managed to subdue the attacker until officers arrived.”
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released pending formal charges, was taken into custody at the scene. Preliminary reports indicate he is a 28-year-old Hamilton resident with no apparent prior connection to the mosque community. Investigators are now examining potential motives, including whether the incident may be classified as a hate crime.
Community leader Ibrahim Khalil expressed both relief and concern following the arrest. “While we’re grateful for the quick police response, this attack has deeply shaken our community,” Khalil told CO24 News. “Places of worship should be sanctuaries where people feel safe, not targets for violence.”
The Canadian Muslim Council has issued a statement calling for increased security measures at mosques throughout the country, particularly during prayer times when facilities are most populated. This incident follows several other attacks on religious institutions across Canada in recent years, raising questions about religious tolerance and community safety.
Police have increased patrols around religious centers throughout Hamilton as a precautionary measure. “We’re taking this incident extremely seriously,” said Hamilton Police Chief Lauren Martin at a press briefing this morning. “Our investigation will be thorough and transparent, and we ask for the community’s patience as we work to understand all aspects of this case.”
Mayor Andrea Horwath visited the mosque early Wednesday to show solidarity with the Muslim community and condemned the violence. “This senseless act does not represent Hamilton’s values of inclusivity and respect,” Horwath stated. “We stand firmly with our Muslim neighbors during this difficult time.”
The three victims, all men between the ages of 35 and 67, remain in stable condition at Hamilton General Hospital. Medical officials expect them to recover fully, though the psychological impact on both the victims and the broader mosque community may be long-lasting.
As the investigation continues, important questions remain: What motivated this attack, and what measures can communities take to protect vulnerable religious spaces while still maintaining their open and welcoming nature?
