Canadian student charged over Quebec City 'terror act' on mosque
A Canadian political science student has been charged with six counts of murder over a shooting spree at a Quebec mosque.
Alexandre Bissonnette, who is from the affluent Quebec City suburb Cap-Rouge, is accused of one of the worst attacks targeting Muslims in a western country.
In what was described by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a "terrorist attack" on the Islamic Cultural Centre in a busy district of Quebec City, authorities believe Bissonnette acted as a “lone wolf” shooter.
Alexandre Bissonnette is charged over the Quebec mosque killings. Source: Facebook
Six men, aged between 39 and 60, were killed in the attack at the mosque while five people remain in a critical condition.
Both police and witnesses had initially described two masked men opening fire inside the mosque, where worshippers were gathered for evening prayer.
But on Monday, authorities said the second person detained had only been questioned as a witness.
Police rushed to the attack scene. Source: AFP
Eight people were also wounded in the crossfire, with some 50 people inside the mosque at the time of the attack.
Bissonnette made a brief appearance in court after surrendering to authorities, facing six counts of premeditated murder and five of attempted murder, police said.
More indictments are expected later, police added.
Authorities believe Bissonnette acted as a 'lone wolf'. Source: Facebook
"There are search warrants underway," a spokeswoman for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police told a press conference.
"We hope to obtain the evidence to reach the point where we will be able to lay terrorism and national security charges.”
So far, authorities have shed no light on what may have prompted the attack.
Media wait outside the mosque for an update from police. Source: AFP
Local media said Bissonnette is a Quebec nationalist and anti-feminist who recently "liked" US President Donald Trump's page on Facebook. He also has reportedly expressed support for French far-right politician Marine Le Pen.
Bissonnette, who is a student at Laval University, surrendered 20 kilometres outside the city after calling an emergency services hotline an hour after the attack to reveal his location.
The Quebec mosque had already been the target of hate after a pig's head was left on the doorstep last June during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Other mosques in Canada have been targeted with anti-Muslim graffiti in recent months.
Bissonnette culd face more charges as the investigation continues. Source: Facebook
Police stationed near the mosque told AFP that they had feared this type of attack "because it's happening all over the world."
The shooting came as Canada vowed to open its arms to Muslim refugees after Trump's controversial immigration ban prompted travel chaos and outrage around the world.
"Last night's horrible crime against the Muslim community was an act of terror committed against Canada and against all Canadians," Trudeau said.
Alexandre Bissonnette. Source: Facebook
To the one million Canadians who profess the Muslim faith, he said: "36 million hearts are breaking with yours," alluding to the country's total population.
"Canadians will not be intimidated," Trudeau added. "We will not meet violence with more violence. We will meet fear and hatred with love and compassion."
Trump telephoned Trudeau to offer his condolences following the attack, which was condemned around the world including by leading Sunni Muslim body Al-Azhar, as well as Egypt and Jordan.
Alexandre Bissonnette. Source: Facebook
