Packages with white powder sent to Edmonton mosques during Ramadan is intimidation tactic: hate crimes expert

Hate crime investigators have been called in after two separate Edmonton mosques received packages containing white powder.

Investigators determined the powder contained in both packages was innocuous, however the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) says it brings harm to the community with fear of anthrax.

The first incident happened April 15 when “a mosque employee opened a package and immediately a white powered substance landed on their skin and clothes,” said Said Omar, the Alberta advocacy officer for the NCCM.

A second parcel was received at a separate mosque on April 21.

BACKGROUND: Suspicious packages mailed to Edmonton mosques, hate crimes unit investigating

“Our community is alarmed and very frustrated,” said Omar. “This shouldn’t be happening especially during this blessed and holy month of Ramadan.”

For one local hate crimes researcher, his initial reaction was more blunt: not again.

Irfan Chaudhry, the director of a human rights, equity and inclusion at MacEwan University, says he’s unfortunately not surprised to see mosques targeted during Ramadan, when Muslims fast during daylight hours and attend the mosque in greater numbers.

Chaudhry calls this an intimidation tactic and says it’s not rare see those targeting religious groups during significant holy dates.

“Because these types of instances do try and portray a message of you don’t belong here, you’re not one of us,” he said.

There is also frustration from the community that Edmonton police shared with local media the address of the two mosques. NCCM raised concerns this could put a target on an already vulnerable community and could inspire copycats.

.@edmontonpolice you guys divulged the location of the mosques affected when asked specifically not to. Totally not cool. These facilities asked not to be identified at this precarious time. https://t.co/ZyBsuaqLj8

— Steven Zhou (@stevenzzhou) April 22, 2022

A spokesperson for the Edmonton Police Service shared it’s common practice to release “high level location information” (nearest cross street) when media ask about a specific event.

“Particularly when the media is already aware of the location information, it is common practice to confirm the obvious,” read an EPS statement.

“However, we recognize in this situation that the release of this information has caused concern among the Islamic community, and the EPS Community Relations Section will be conducting follow-up with the mosques involved to help provide assurance and support.”

Chaudhry understands the concerns around sharing the specific mosques targeted, noting how in recent years Edmonton has seen a rash of hate-motivated attacks targeting largely Black women wearing the hijab.

“It’s not just an attack here or there,” said Chaudhry. “There is something embedded in Canada that we need to address through programing, through sustained funding.

“I think ironically the message that the perpetrator is trying to send is likely not going to be the one received by the community.”

Chaudhry believes Edmonton’s Muslim community will respond with resilience rather than fear.

“Because they are likely going to take this as a reminder to ensure that we are as welcoming and inclusive as we can be.”

Edmonton police’s Hate Crimes and Violent Extremism unit took over the case. Chaudhry feels this will send a message of zero tolerance.

EPS says they have communicated with all Edmonton mosques instructions of steps to take if they receive a suspicious package.

I am disturbed by this apparent anthrax scare targeting Edmonton mosques, & condemn the hatred that motivated it.

I urge anyone with knowledge of this to contact police.

An attack on one community is an attack on all.

I wish all Alberta Muslims a peaceful month of Ramadan. https://t.co/Nhp4EjRS5z

— Jason Kenney ???????????????????????? (@jkenney) April 22, 2022

Politicians from all levels of government have been quick to condemn the act on social media, however the community is watching for action to address the root cause of hate in the community.

I am disturbed by the recent threats against local mosques here in Edmonton – Islamophobia has no place here. Every single Muslim Edmontonian deserves to feel safe in our city, and everywhere. I strongly condemn this incident and we all must tackle hate in #YEG together. https://t.co/IETjtODx7W

— Amarjeet Sohi (@AmarjeetSohiYEG) April 22, 2022

The latest data from Statistics Canada shows in 2020, there was a 39 per cent increase in hate-motivated crimes reported to Alberta police.

—With files from Hiba Kamal-Choufi