Muslim's in Kelowna are shocked and saddened to hear news of the mass shooting at a mosque in Quebec.
Six people died and 19 were wounded in the attack at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec on Sunday night. Two suspects were arrested, but it appears now that only was is considered to be the shooter and the other is a witness.
Hamid Butt, a board member with the Kelowna Islamic Centre, says they too have not been immune to Islamaphobia, but thankfully not on the same scale as what's happened in Quebec.
"We have heard a couple of times messages left on our voicemail, and we made sure to inform the authorities, and some of those have been dealt with, but nothing outstanding," he says.
Butt says since the Quebec attack - the centre has received more messages, but these have been heartening.
"We have had an outpouring of calls and emails from churches in Kelowna, and also from community members in general, who have been extending their prayers and thoughts and extending their support to us, so that's really pleasing to see that," he says.
Butt says a vigil will be held Tuesday evening for the victims of the mosque attack. It'll begin at 6:30 pm at the Kelowna Islamic Centre at 1120 Highway 33.
He says the 400 members of their congregation hail from all over the world including many international students who also attend services.