RCMP have charged a 40-year-old St. Albert man in connection with an assault on a Muslim worshipper leaving Friday prayers. The attack has shaken the community and drawn a heightened police presence.
The victim, Ali Wahad Noor, was driving home from Jumu’ah prayers at the Muslim Association of St. Albert on May 1. Police say another driver followed him, blocked his path, and began shouting anti-Muslim slurs. The confrontation escalated, and Noor was knocked unconscious.
Ahmed Abdulkadir, a family spokesperson, alleged the attacker used racial epithets and threats, before physically assaulting Noor. Noor was treated at a hospital for lacerations and a chipped tooth. He has been released but says the emotional scars remain.
Ryan Richard Lacasse faces charges of aggravated assault and uttering threats. While RCMP cannot lay a specific hate crime charge, they have noted racial slurs were used during the incident. A judge may consider hate motivation as an aggravating factor at sentencing.
RCMP have increased patrols around the mosque. Investigators are still seeking witnesses.
This attack has highlighted concerns about rising Islamophobic violence in Canadian communities.