A disturbing incident outside a local mosque this week was not a racially motivated hate crime, according to Surrey RCMP.
The British Columbia Muslim Association said Thursday a car sped by Ramadan worshippers leaving evening prayers at the Jame Masjid Mosque and a substance was thrown by someone in the vehicle.
The letter said the car sped away, but returned and repeatedly feigned trying to run the congregants over.
Police have identified everyone involved, including the six victims and two suspects.
The investigation found all occupants of the suspect vehicle were teenagers and members of the Muslim community.
“The RCMP recognizes that any incidents such as this one that are initially believed to be a hate crime are traumatizing to our community. However, once it was discovered that the nature of the incident was not hate-motivated, it was important for us to update the public,” said Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards.
“I have spoken to Mr. Gondal, President of the British Columbia Muslim Association, and had a positive discussion about the outcome of this event as well as our shared objective of ensuring safety of all communities, including our Muslim residents,” he added.
Police added they are trying to resolve the issue through either the BC Prosecution Service or extrajudicial measures, like a restorative justice approach.