Montreal - Arab Today
Death toll has risen to six people with eight others injured in Sunday's shooting attack on a mosque in the French-speaking province of Quebec, in what Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other officials called a "terrorist attack".
"Six people are confirmed dead - they range in age from 35 to about 70," Quebec provincial police spokeswoman Christine Coulombe told reporters, adding eight people were wounded and 39 were unharmed.
Local broadcaster Radio-Canada reported that two suspects were arrested.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was quick to offer his condolences in a statement. "It was with tremendous shock, sadness and anger that I heard of this evening's tragic and fatal shooting," he said.
"We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a center of worship and refuge," Trudeau added.
"Muslim-Canadians are an important part of our national fabric, and these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities and country," he stressed.
A Canadian federal Liberal legislator, Greg Fergus, tweeted: "This is an act of terrorism, the result of years of sermonizing Muslims. Words matter and hateful speeches have consequences!".
The premier of Quebec province, Philippe Couillard, said security would be increased at mosques in Quebec City and Montreal.
In a post on Twitter, Couillard also referred to the incident as a terrorist act and said he had asked the National Assembly, the provincial legislature, to fly flags at half-mast.
The gunmen opened fire during Sunday's evening prayers at the mosque, in the Sainte-Foy neighborhood of Quebec City.
Trudeau said that Canadian law enforcement agencies "will make every effort to apprehend the perpetrators of this act".
Source: QNA