Saskatoon police Chief Clive Weighill wants to assure those of Muslim faith in the city that they are supported and safe in the wake of a fatal shooting in Quebec.
The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) held a press conference on Monday afternoon to address safety concerns following the tragic shooting in Quebec City on Sunday, Jan. 29.
“We certainly believe in our Muslim community here and they don’t have to look over their shoulders,” Weighill said.
“We know they’re peaceful, law-abiding people and we want to make sure they can get to the mosques safe, that they can pray safe, that their children get to school safe and come home from school safe and that they’re welcomed within our community.”
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Weighill said the police service is doing everything in its power to determine if there is any threat to the safety of residents here.
SPS is working jointly with the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies and so far there is no intelligence to suggest that anyone’s safety is at risk in the city.
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Weighill said there will be a police presence at local mosques during prayer in a show of solidarity and because safety is paramount to police.
The police chief has also vowed to visit every mosque in Saskatoon starting Monday night and discuss any concerns members of the community may have.
At this time, there have been no complaints of xenophobia reported to Saskatoon police.