Hate comes knocking on mosque’s doorstep

An east-end mosque was the scene of a hate-crime investigation earlier this month when police arrested and charged two men for attempting to damage the religious property.

On Aug. 9 just after 1:30 a.m. police were called to Madinah Mosque, on Danforth Ave. after two men were allegedly caught damaging the mosque’s door.

"Several men were inside the mosque and they heard a bang on the rear door," said Det. Sgt. William Stanley of 55 Division.

The mosque’s door was slightly damaged and the men from the mosque found two men walking to a vehicle in the mosque’s parking lot.

They allegedly had weapons on them —an axe and a mallet. Also one man was wearing a balaclava, said Stanley.

"Once they were confronted, one (suspect) shoved one of the men from the mosque," he said.
Police arrived on scene, arrested and later charged the two men.

Stanley said while the incident was an isolated event, police class it as a hate-crime investigation and not just a case of vandalism or assault.

"There were utterances made that make us believe that it is a hate-crime," explained Stanley, adding one of the suspects was in possession of an Israeli flag.

The other suspect was carrying a flag bearing the Union Jack.

Shawn Knott, 18, has been charged with mischief relating to religious property, disguise with intent, weapons dangerous and possession of burglars tools.

Ryan Smith, 19, has been charged with mischief relating to religious property, weapons dangerous, possession of burglars tools and assault.