The Montreal Police logo is seen on a police car in Montreal on July 8, 2020. Montreal police say a suspect accused in a violent break-in at a downtown mosque is facing more charges. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Montreal police say a suspect accused in a violent break-in at a downtown mosque is facing more charges.
Cory Anderson, 32, is charged with assault with a weapon, unlawful confinement and mischief stemming from an incident early Sunday at the Al-Omah Al-Islamiah mosque.
A national Muslim group released surveillance videos that appear to show someone trying to strike a young worshipper before using a rock to break through the mosque’s front door and entering the prayer room.
The Canadian Muslim Forum had called on police to investigate the incident as a hate crime.
Montreal police said Monday the incident didn’t appear to be motivated by hate, but investigators from the hate crime unit became involved because a place of worship was targeted.
Anderson was initially charged with mischief and released on a promise to appear, but police say he was rearrested today and will remain in custody until at least Thursday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 12, 2023.
