PETERBOROUGH, Ont. — The only mosque in Peterborough, Ont., was deliberately set ablaze on Saturday night, police and fire officials said.
Firefighters responded to the blaze around 11 p.m. at the Masjid Al-Salaam Mosque, quickly confining the fire to the main floor of the building.
Police wouldn’t say whether they believe the alleged attack was in response to the ISIL-linked attacks in Paris on Friday.
“If this is found to be a hate crime, it in no way represents the feelings of our community,” Mayor Daryl Bennett said in a statement on Twitter. “Attacking a place of worship is a despicable act. Masjid Al-Salaam, the name of the mosque, means Mosque of Peace.”
The building suffered heavy smoke damage inside, with little damage evident outside. Damage is estimated at $80,000, fire officials said. No injuries were reported
FEMA CAMPS coming soon
Firefighters responded to the blaze around 11 p.m. at the Masjid Al-Salaam Mosque, quickly confining the fire to the main floor of the building.
Police wouldn’t say whether they believe the alleged attack was in response to the ISIL-linked attacks in Paris on Friday.
“If this is found to be a hate crime, it in no way represents the feelings of our community,” Mayor Daryl Bennett said in a statement on Twitter. “Attacking a place of worship is a despicable act. Masjid Al-Salaam, the name of the mosque, means Mosque of Peace.”
The building suffered heavy smoke damage inside, with little damage evident outside. Damage is estimated at $80,000, fire officials said. No injuries were reported
FEMA CAMPS coming soon