Canadian Muslims stand united with fellow citizens in condemning Ottawa attacks

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, stands united with Canadians in categorically condemning today’s shooting attacks at Ottawa’s War Memorial and on Parliament Hill which left a Canadian soldier dead and several others injured.

“All Canadians are horrified and shocked by these repulsive attacks in Ottawa and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families today,” says NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee.

“We stand firm with fellow Canadians in upholding and protecting the safety and security of our country, as well as our national institutions. We commend our law enforcement agencies for putting themselves in harm’s way in order to protect all of us from terrorism.”

Recent media reports indicate that the suspected shooter was known to authorities and had his Canadian passport seized after being designated a “high-risk traveller” by the federal government.

“While details about today’s attacks are still unfolding, we must reiterate that nothing can justify such atrocious actions and our message to anyone who espouses, endorses, or in any way supports ideologies of violence is that your actions are based on gross perversions of the Islamic faith,” says Gardee.

“This week’s appalling events underscore the urgent need for ongoing cooperation between law enforcement, government agencies, and communities to respond to the threat of violent extremism.”

In July 2005, the NCCM coordinated a national statement by over 120 Canadian Imams which condemned terrorism and religious extremism. On June 4, 2014, the NCCM called upon Canadian Muslim communities to renew their efforts to combat radicalization towards extremist violence and the NCCM joined the Canadian Council of Imams in denouncing ISIS and its violent extremism. More recently, the Islamic Social Services Association, in conjunction with the NCCM, launched the handbook United Against Terrorism which is designed to give communities information and tools to counter radicalization towards violent extremism and build civic engagement.

The NCCM is an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit grassroots advocacy organization. It is a leading voice for Muslim civic engagement and the promotion of human rights.