Hundreds take part in funeral of Canadian Muslim family killed in ‘terrorist attack’
Several hundred mourners joined a public funeral service on Saturday of a Canadian Muslim family run over and killed by a man in a pick-up truck last Sunday in an attack the police said was driven by hate.
The four victims, spanning three generations, were killed when Nathaniel Veltman, 20, ran into them while they were out for an evening walk near their home in London, Ontario. A fifth family member, a 9-year-old boy, is recovering from his injuries in the hospital.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the killings a “terrorist attack” and vowed to clamp down on far-right groups and online hate.
Police have said the attack was premeditated and allege the family was targeted because of their Islamic faith.
The hour-long ceremony started after the four coffins draped in Canadian flags rolled into the compound of the Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario, and ended with prayers and condolences offered by religious and community leaders.
The funeral procession later proceeded for a private burial.
“And the very fact their coffins are draped in the beautiful Canadian flag is an apt testimony of the fact that the entire Canadian nation stands with them,” Raza Bashir Tarar High Commissioner for Pakistan to Canada told the gathering.
The family moved to Canada from Pakistan some 14 years ago.
The attack sparked outrage across Canada, with politicians from all sides condemning the crime, spurring growing calls to take action to curb hate crime and Islamophobia. The city of London, 200 km (120 miles) southwest of Toronto, has seen an outpouring of support in the aftermath of the attack.
Veltman, who returns to court on Monday, faces four charges of first-degree murder and one of attempted murder.
“I think we’re emotionally exhausted,” Imam Aarij Anwer told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp before the ceremony. “We’re looking forward to having some closure on Saturday.”
Read more:
Canada’s Trudeau deems killing of Muslim family a ‘terrorist attack’
Canada truck attack suspect makes brief court appearance
New Zealand mosque shooter seeks review of prison conditions, terrorist status
-
New Zealand mosque shooter seeks review of prison conditions, terrorist status
The mass shooter who killed 51 people in New Zealand in 2019 has launched a legal challenge seeking a review of his prison conditions and his status ... World News -
Thousands march in support of Muslim family killed in truck attack in Canada
Thousands of people marched on Friday in support of a Canadian Muslim family run over and killed by a man driving a pick-up truck last Sunday in an ... World News -
Canada’s Trudeau deems killing of Muslim family a ‘terrorist attack’
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday labeled as a “terrorist attack” the killing of four members of a Muslim family, who were run down by ... World News -
“We’re all pained,” Canada indigenous leaders dismiss Pope remarks
Indigenous leaders and school survivors on Sunday dismissed Pope Francis’ expressions of pain at the discovery of 215 children’s remains at a former ... World News