Additional police presence near the Aylmer Mosque

The activities at the Aylmer Mosque are cancelled until further notice. “All the activities, such as the Koran courses given to about 60 children and their parents have been cancelled for the week. The children must have many questions and we want them to have a chance to talk with their parents,” said Anas Tiane, spokesperson for the Aylmer Mosque. The prayers will still take place.

“It’s a time to show solidarity and strength to face these terror campaigns which are looking to divide us,” he added. “We are trying to reassure the community. We offered our condolences to the victims via an email last night.”

Mr Tiane was personally touched by the tragedies in Quebec City on January 29. “My brother-in-law called me from Quebec City. It’s his mosque that was targeted. My wife is from Quebec City and she knows some of the victims,” he explained.

Shortly after finding out about the events, Mr Tiane received a called from the Mayor of Gatineau, Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin.

“He called us several minutes after the shootings to express his sympathies and offer his condolences. He told us there would be additional police presence near the mosque, which is very appreciated. We are very satisfied with the mayor’s response,” he said.

Following the Quebec City mosque shooting, Pedneaud-Jobin quickly announced additional police presence around Gatineau mosques, including the Aylmer Mosque near the Memorial Park.

On the morning of January 30, two police cruisers were parked near the Aylmer Mosque. Gatineau police reminded the population of its zero tolerance policy regarding threats and hate crimes.

Mr Tiane said that the mosque’s board of administration will sit down shortly and find ways to reinforce the security inside the mosque. The board already made certain modifications.