Mississauga, Ont., mosque attacker who planned 'mass casualty event' pleads guilty to 3 charges
CBC
A man who assaulted worshippers at a mosque in Mississauga, Ont., last year had been planning the attack for a year and was motivated by hatred of and a desire to intimidate Muslims, court documents show.
Mohammad Moiz Omar "intended to perpetrate a mass casualty event" when he entered the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre during early morning prayer on March 19, 2022 and sprayed bear spray toward congregants while swinging a hatchet, according to an agreed statement of facts read at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Brampton, Ont. Wednesday.
Omar, who was 24 years old at the time of the attack, pleaded guilty to three charges, according to one of his lawyers, Jacob Roth of Robichaud Criminal Lawyers. Those charges include administering a noxious substance with intent to endanger life or cause bodily harm, assault with a weapon, and mischief to religious property with motivation of bias, prejudice or hate based on religion.
"As part of his plea, Mr. Omar acknowledged that guilt on those three charges constitutes terrorist activity," Roth said in a phone call Wednesday.
The mosque's imam, Ibrahim Hindy, said the revelations in court Wednesday confirmed his community's worst nightmare.
"This was not someone having a bad day or having a mental health episode. This was someone who planned out clearly what he wanted to do and how he wanted to kill Muslims," Hindy said. "I'm only grateful that our congregation was able to stop him before he was able to ultimately harm someone."
According to the statement of facts, Omar entered the mosque at 7 a.m., when there were approximately 30 people gathered for morning prayer. He approached them from behind and discharged the bear spray while swinging the hatchet.
Congregants heard him say, "I hate you" and "You are all terrorists" during the attack.
The attack was thwarted when congregants pushed Omar to the ground and restrained him.
While none of the worshippers were seriously injured, one was kicked in the stomach and several suffered side effects from the bear spray. Damage to the mosque cost $16,000 to repair.
Police who searched his car found several weapons and tools, including a large knife, a cleaver, a hammer, rope, drill bits, safety goggles, fire extinguishers, and an unknown chemical. Most were recently purchased at a Canadian Tire.
While in custody, Omar told police he had a Muslim background but considered himself an atheist.
He expressed hatred for Islam and Muslims, and disappointment that he was unable to inflict more serious harm to the victims.
The document says Omar told police he was "provoked" by what he called "an intolerant and violent religion."
This First Person column is the experience of Shannon Flaman, who lives in Red Deer, Alta. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.
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