Vigil for victims of London, Ont. vehicle attack held at Ottawa Human Rights Monument
A vigil to mourn the deaths of four Muslim family members who were killed by a driver in London, Ont., in what police have called an intentional, hate-motivated incident, was held at Ottawa's Human Rights Monument on Elgin Street Tuesday evening.
The Canadian Council of Muslim Women Ottawa and other members of the Ottawa-Gatineau Muslim community organized the vigil.
It began at 7 p.m. at the Human Rights Monument at Elgin and Lisgar. Hundreds of residents were in attendance.
Zia and Naaz Nathoo brought their sons to help them understand what happened.
"We are here to honour the family and to teach our children they don't have to fear living in Canada," Naaz Nathoo said.
"To be here and for them to see it, it explains their questions and gives them the answers they need," said Zia Nathoo.
The Nathoos say this act of terror does not represent the Canada they know and the people who gathered in solidarity Tuesday evening are the true face of the community.
"It feels good its good to see the different backgrounds of people here," Zia said. "Nomatter what your colour is, your race, your religion, where you are from, how old you are, what gender you are, it really does not matter."
But not everyone feels unafraid. Maryan Refai, whose family knew the victims' family, thinks Canada has to change to make everyone feel safe.
"To be honest, I don’t always feel safe in Canada. I'm always cautious and looking around, especially when I’m the only person of colour in the room," Refai said.
The former Western University student lived near where the Afzaal family was killed.
"It was heartbreaking. I cried. I was so upset. It feels like a punch in my heart when I see things like this happen it affects me as if it was my own family," she said.
A driver in a pickup truck struck the family Sunday evening in London while they were out for a walk, and all but one of them were killed. A statement released to the media by a family spokesperson names the deceased as Salman Afzaal, his wife Madiha, their daughter Yumna and Salman's mother. Nine-year-old Fayez Afzaal survived the attack and "is on the road to recovery from serious injuries," the statement reads.
The victims are being remembered as pillars of the London community, who attended mosque regularly, volunteered, and were kind and helpful to everyone.
Speaking in the House of Commons Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau referred to the incident as a terrorist attack. Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford attended a vigil in London Tuesday evening.
- If you need mental health support following the news of this attack in London, Ont., you can find links and phone numbers to support services here.
Nathaniel Veltman, 20, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. During a news conference Monday afternoon, London police confirmed that there was evidence that the incident was hate-motivated and the family was targeted because they were Muslim.
Police also said Monday that they were not aware of any connections between Veltman and the Afzaal family, nor were they aware of any link between the suspect and organized hate groups.
As speakers at the Ottawa vigil took turns denouncing anti-Muslim hatred, one message was clear, that nine-year-old Fayez Afzaal would not be alone.
"You have lost a mother, father, sister, and grandmother, but you have gained millions who will support you and be part of your family now," Naaz Nathoo said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.