Police said Mohammad Moiz Omar entered the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Center on March 19 and allegedly attacked those inside with bear spray while waving an ax.
The 24-year-old was arrested and charged with various criminal offenses.
On Wednesday, police said the crimes Omar is accused of constitute terrorist activity under the Penal Code.
He faces charges including two counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a purpose that is dangerous to the common good, abuse of religious property and a threat of death or bodily harm – all of which are now part of the terrorism process against him.
Police say the Canadian Attorney General and the Attorney General of Canada agreed on Wednesday to launch a terrorism investigation into the case.
“This incident has profoundly affected the members of the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Center and has had a ripple effect throughout our community. People should expect to be able to assemble peacefully and safely without fear,” the leader wrote in a statement. of Peel Police, Nishan Duraiappah.
“Our service is committed to continuing to work with our partners and the community to ensure that hatred and violence have no place in our community.”
READ MORE: Believers subdued the man who allegedly attacked a mosque in Mississauga, Ont.
The mosque and the National Council of Canadian Muslims, a national defense group, welcomed a joint statement accusing Omar of terrorism and condemned the attack.
The Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Center in Mississauga appears on Saturday, March 19, 2022. (CP24 / Kenneth Enlow)
“It just shows how violent Islamophobia remains as an existential threat to members of our community,” said the mosque’s imam, Ibrahim Hindi.
“I hope today will be the first step towards justice when it comes to this shocking and violent incident that could have been much worse if it were not for the courage of the members of our community.”
The mosque and the NCCM say those attending the morning prayer when the attack took place are injured and many have sought mental health services.
“This is not the first time our places of worship have been violated in one way or another,” said NCCM lawyer Nusaiba Al-Azem.
“Our community needs to heal, but it starts with seeing justice being done when it comes to the person who could have ruined so many lives that morning.”
Police had previously said they believed the incident was motivated by hatred.
This Canadian Press report was first published on June 8, 2022.
