Video Showing an Attack on a Mosque in Canada Resurfaces
The Claim
A recent video shows someone carrying out a terrible attack on Muslim worshipers with pepper spray and axes at the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga, Canada.
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Emerging story
Recently, social media users shared a video claiming to feature a man launching a brutal attack on Muslim worshipers using pepper spray and axes at the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga, Canada.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the widely circulated video and found the claim to be misleading.
After conducting a thorough reverse image search, Misbar’s team determined the video making the rounds to be older than claimed.
The Video of a Mosque Under Attack Dates back to 2022
Contrary to the circulating claim, the video features an attack by a person named Mohammad Moiz Omar on worshipers before the worshipers were eventually able to subdue him.
The attack incident dates back to March 19, 2022, and took place at the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga, Canada.
As indicated by the timestamp on the video, the footage was filmed on Saturday, March 19, 2022.
Media outlets reported the incident on the same date. CBC News’s Facebook page uploaded a video report of the incident.
The video’s caption reads, "Police were called to the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga, Ont., west of Toronto, on Saturday morning after a man attacked the congregation gathered for prayer with bear spray while 'brandishing a hatchet.' Worshippers restrained the attacker, who was later taken into custody."
Insauga's YouTube channel uploaded a video showing policemen apprehending the suspect at the time of the incident.
According to the mosque's imam, Ibrahim Hindy, the violent incident occurred during the dawn prayer. He stated that an individual armed with an ax, several sharp-edged weapons, and pepper spray attempted to harm worshipers. However, thanks to the courageous actions of several congregants, the attacker was swiftly stopped before any harm could be done. The imam emphasized the community's resilience, stating that they will not be broken and will stand firm against intimidation.
Man Arrested After Worshipers Attacked in Canada
According to Peel police, a 24-year-old man carried out an attack on worshipers during an early morning prayer at a mosque in Mississauga on March 19, 2022.
Responding to multiple 911 calls, officers arrived at the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre on McAdam Road and Matheson Boulevard just before 7 a.m. The man reportedly entered the mosque wielding a hatchet and discharged bear spray towards the congregants. However, mosque members swiftly subdued him until the police took him into custody.
Some worshipers sustained minor injuries from the bear spray. The suspect, identified as Mohammad Moiz Omar from Mississauga, faces multiple charges, including assault with a weapon, possession of a dangerous weapon, and mischief to religious property. Police believe the incident was hate-motivated.
Canada Mosque Attacker Sentenced to Eight Years
The video resurfaces online after the attacker is found guilty and sentenced to eight years in prison for terror offenses. The Canadian man had attacked a mosque using a hatchet and bear spray the previous year.
He recently pleaded guilty to three charges that were considered terrorist activity. In his confession, he admitted that his actions were driven by a hatred for Muslims. The attacker also acknowledged administering the bear spray as part of his intention to carry out a mass casualty event.
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Brampton sentenced him to eight years in prison, the term recommended by prosecutors. He further admitted to assault with a weapon and mischief to property based on religious bias, prejudice, or hate.
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