Memorial display at Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road/ Amy Simon XFM
A vigil is scheduled for later this evening at the London Muslim Mosque to honour the five family members who police say were targeted by a driver Sunday evening.
Police said on Sunday a Muslim family was out for a walk when they were intentionally struck by a man in a pickup truck on the corner of Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road.
A 74-year-old woman was pronounced dead on the scene and the other family members – a 46-year-old man, a 44-year-old-women, a 15-year old girl, and a nine-year-old boy – were quickly transported to the hospital. Police said the two adults and teen died later that evening while the boy is still recovering from serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said the family members were targeted because of their Muslim faith.
“We believe that this was an intentional act,” explains London Police Chief Steve Williams. “We believe the victims were targeted because of their islamic faith.”
The 20-year-old suspect, Nathaniel Veltman, has been arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder in the attack. According to London Police, they are working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on potential terrorism charges against Veltman.
“We understand that this event may cause fear and anxiety in the community, and in particular the Muslim community, in any community targeted by hate. I want to reassure all Londoners that all of us on the call today and many others stand with you and support you,” Chief Williams explains. “There is no tolerance in this community for individuals who, motivated by hate, target others with violence.”
Detective Superintendent Paul Waight says the suspect was arrested in the parking lot at Cherryhill Mall, just a few blocks away from the London Muslim Mosque.
Nawaz Tahir is a lawyer who represents the Muslim community here in London, a community he says is hurting because of this attack.
“We will stand strong against hate. We will stand strong against islamophobia. We will respond to those trying to inflict terror on our community with love.”
Tahir adds that the fight against islamophobia is everyone’s fight.
“Our hearts are broken, our minds numb with pain. Hate will never overshadow the light of love. Justice must and will be done. Every Londoner, every Ontarian, every Canadian, must stop and ask ourselves ‘how do we make sure this never happens again?’”
I’m horrified by the news from London, Ontario. To the loved ones of those who were terrorized by yesterday’s act of hatred, we are here for you. We are also here for the child who remains in hospital – our hearts go out to you, and you will be in our thoughts as you recover.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 7, 2021
The news from London, ON is horrifying
A Muslim family was out for a walk – like many this pandemic
They were murdered because of their faith
This is an act of Islamophobia & terror
More than ever we must stand w/ our Muslim family, friends & neighbours against such vile hate https://t.co/yyA39WbjR8
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) June 7, 2021
Hate and Islamophobia have NO place in Ontario. Justice must be served for the horrific act of hatred that took place in London, Ontario yesterday.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends during this difficult time. These heinous acts of violence must stop.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) June 7, 2021
A memorial has been displayed where the crash occurred along Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road. People were seen Monday evening dropping off flowers or stuffed animals in honour of the family and injured boy.
Members of the Oakridge Secondary School community, where the teenage victim attends, are planning to show their support prior to the vigil. Standing socially distant, the plan is to hold signs of support all down Oxford Street West and East.
Parking for the vigil will be available at Cherryhill Village Mall and the event will also be livestreamed on Instagram, Facebook, and links will be provided over social media starting at 7 p.m.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford, Jagmeet Singh and other political leaders will be attending the event at the mosque later this evening.
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