Jan. 30 (UPI) — Canadian authorities on Monday charged a suspect in the attack that killed six people at an Islamic cultural center in Quebec.
The suspect, Alexandre Bissonnette, who’s believed by officials to have anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim views, was arraigned Monday for the deadly attack Sunday evening, which also injured 17.
Bissonnette, 27, faces six charges of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder.
Police initially said two suspects were arrested after the shooting but later clarified that one was a witness, who was questioned and later released.
Authorities said the suspect has no prior police record and that investigators are working to establish a motive.
During a speech to House of Commons, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told his Muslim constituents, “We are with you.”
“Canadians will not be broken by this violence,” he said . “We will not close our minds, we will open our hearts.”
More than 50 people were inside the mosque when shots were first fired. Those killed vary in age from 35 to 70.
The deadly attack was Canada’s first on a mosque.
“Last night’s horrible crime against the Muslim community was an act of terror committed against Canada, and against all Canadians,” Trudeau added. “Such senseless violence has no place in Canadian society.”
