WATCH BELOW: A vigil is being held in Quebec City to mark the one-year anniversary of the mosque shooting that left six men dead. Global’s Raquel Fletcher reports.
It began with the reading of the victims’ names, followed by those of their children: Mamadou Tanou Barry, 42; Abdelkrim Hassane, 41; Khaled Belkacemi, 60; Aboubaker Thabti, 44; Azzeddine Soufiane, 57; and Ibrahima Barry, 39.
READ MORE: Montrealers gather to mark anniversary of Quebec City mosque shooting
Quebec City resident Etienne Prevost, who lives near the mosque, says he remembers hearing the first police sirens go by.
Carrying a sign that reads “Quebec City will never forget,” he admits he’s still shaken one year later.
READ MORE: Muslims at home in Quebec: Philippe Couillard on mosque shooting a year later
After several speeches, Quebecers and officials, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, walked to the mosque, holding a banner that said “je me souviens” — I remember.
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Once arrived, they laid white roses, candles and messages of hope outside the mosque.
WATCH: It’s been one year since the deadly mosque shooting in the provincial capital. Global’s Felicia Parrillo recalls what happened on that tragic night.
It was on Jan. 29, 2017, that a shooter entered the Islamic cultural centre of Quebec City and killed six while injuring 19 others, five seriously.
READ MORE: Quebec opposition parties balk at making mosque shooting anniversary a day of awareness
In a statement Monday, Trudeau reflected on the victims who perished in a “senseless attack” one year ago, as well as those who live still living with the pain, loss and trauma of that night.
READ MORE: Quebec City mosque left with blood stains, bullet holes after deadly shooting
Trudeau said the government stands with Canada’s Muslim community and will continue to fight Islamophobia as well as other forms of hatred and discrimination.
“This was a terrorist attack against all Canadians, meant to test our resolve and weaken our values,” Trudeau said. “It failed.”
Trudeau said that Canadians united after the mass slaying to condemn the attack.
READ MORE: Muslim group asks for day of remembrance on 1st anniversary of Quebec mosque shooting
“A year later, our message has not changed: We are stronger together,” Trudeau said.
“No matter our faith or where we were born, we are equal members of this country. We will not let an act of intolerance divide us and make any Canadian feel less at home.”
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Quebec City mosque gunman appears in packed court
Monday’s gathering in Quebec City caps off four days of activities organized to commemorate the tragedy.
READ MORE: Quebecers write touching messages to families of victims of mosque shooting
Previous events included an open house at the mosque, a multidenominational spiritual rally, a prayer service and a seminar.
READ MORE: Lawyers for Quebec City mosque shooting suspect oppose release of warrants
Vigils were also organized in other cities across the province, including Montreal.
The alleged shooter is set to stand trial in March on six charges of first-degree murder and six counts of attempted murder.
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