Montreal, Quebec – July 20, 2026
The Canadian Muslim Forum (FMC-CMF) expresses its outrage following a disturbing incident at the Verdun Islamic Centre on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
During a weekend gathering attended by families, children, women, and worshippers, a suspect reportedly threw a plastic bag containing what appeared to be a severed, blood-covered human hand at the entrance of the Centre. While the object was later determined to be an artificial imitation, the fear and distress it caused were very real.
Children were frightened, families were shaken, and a place of worship and community gathering was turned into a scene of anxiety and intimidation.
CMF unequivocally condemns this act, which bears all the hallmarks of Islamophobic intimidation. Such actions have no place in Quebec or Canada.
This incident does not occur in a vacuum. It comes amid a troubling rise in Islamophobia, online hate, and divisive rhetoric that increasingly targets Canadians of Muslim faith. The spread of fear and hostility on social media, and at times through the language of certain public figures and politicians pursuing exclusionary agendas helps create an environment where acts of intimidation become more likely.
The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) has been informed and is investigating the incident. We trust that all circumstances, including any hate-motivated elements, will be thoroughly examined.
This case also arrives at a time when Canada has strengthened its legal framework to address hate and the promotion of hatred. Canadians will be watching closely to see whether these tools are effectively used to protect communities and ensure accountability.
The Canadian Muslim Forum stands in full solidarity with the leadership and congregants of the Verdun Islamic Centre. We also ask a simple but important question: Will elected officials at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels respond with clear words and concrete actions to confront Islamophobia and hate?
At the same time, we remain confident that this incident does not reflect the values of Quebec or Canada. The overwhelming majority of Quebecers and Canadians believe in respect, human dignity, equality, freedom of religion, and the right of every person to live free from fear and intimidation.
Acts of hate seek to divide us. Our response must be unity. Acts of intimidation seek to create fear. Our response must be solidarity.
The time for silence has passed. The time for action against Islamophobia and all forms of hatred is now.
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Media Contact
Canadian Muslim Forum (CMF)
[email protected]