Salmon Arm RCMP investigating islamophobic graffiti

RCMP are investigating after an anti-Muslim message was found on a fence in Salmon Arm.

It comes on the heels of extremist posters showing up in Vernon which promoted websites, including a white supremacist message board.

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The Salmon Arm vandalism said “kill all Islamic Muslims” and was written on a private fence near the Turner Creek Trail. After it was reported, the City of Salmon Arm used a chemical cleaner to wash it off.

Residents are reacting to the hateful graffiti with shock and disappointment.

“I was shocked and horrified when I first heard it,” said Wendy Clay who lives nearby.

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“I just couldn’t imagine it happening in this neighbourhood because people here seem so friendly and open. Salmon Arm is a welcoming town I thought.”

Many in Salmon Arm are quick to point out the graffiti does not represent the views of most people in the community.

Brian Ayotte is part of the Salmon Arm Refugee Coalition. It has helped to bring seven Syrian families to Salmon Arm, the majority of them are Muslim.

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Ayotte has discussed the vandalism with one the Syrians now living in Salmon Arm.

“He had not heard about it. He was disturbed by it and I reassured him that it didn’t reflect the community at all, just this one individual,” said Ayotte.

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Ayotte thinks the hateful message was an anomaly that won’t be repeated.

“I’m thinking we should just put it to rest and continue to do the good work that we are doing,” he said.