Authorities in Montreal have launched a hate crime investigation following a disturbing incident at an Islamic centre in the Verdun borough on July 20, 2026. A package containing what appeared to be a fake severed human hand covered in imitation blood was discovered at the entrance of the religious facility, sending shockwaves through the local Muslim community.
The Montreal Police Service confirmed they received an emergency call around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday reporting that one or more individuals had left a plastic bag containing an object covered in a red substance at the Islamic Centre of Verdun. The substance is currently being analyzed by investigators to determine its exact composition.
Community Hub Targeted During Weekend Gathering
The Islamic Centre of Verdun serves as much more than just a mosque for the local community. The facility operates as a comprehensive community hub that provides essential services to Muslim residents in the area, including:
- Daily prayer services for worshippers
- Religious education programs
- Community programming and events
- Family-oriented activities and gatherings
- Educational resources for children and adults
The timing of the incident was particularly troubling, as it occurred during a weekend gathering that was attended by numerous families, children, women, and regular worshippers. The presence of young children at the time of the discovery has added to the gravity of the situation and the community’s distress.
Canadian Muslim Forum Condemns the Attack
The Canadian Muslim Forum has spoken out strongly against the incident, describing the fear and anxiety it caused among those present at the centre when the disturbing package was found.
“Children were frightened, families were shaken, and a place of worship and community gathering was turned into a scene of anxiety and intimidation. This incident does not occur in a vacuum.”
The organization emphasized that this act of intimidation comes amid what they describe as a troubling rise in Islamophobia, online hate speech, and divisive rhetoric that increasingly targets Canadians of the Muslim faith. The forum called attention to the broader pattern of discrimination facing Muslim communities across the country.
Investigation Transferred to Specialized Unit
Following their initial response, Montreal police officers met with the director of the Islamic Centre of Verdun to discuss the incident and gather information. The case has since been transferred to the police force’s specialized hate crimes and incidents unit, which handles investigations involving potential bias-motivated offenses.
Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the area surrounding the Islamic centre in hopes of identifying the suspect or suspects responsible for leaving the disturbing package. As of the latest update, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Rising Hate Crime Statistics in Canada
This incident in Montreal reflects a concerning trend that has been documented across Canada in recent years. According to Statistics Canada data released in March, hate crimes reported to police across the country have seen a dramatic increase over the past several years:
- In 2018, police recorded 1,817 hate crime incidents nationwide
- By 2024, that number had risen to 4,882 reported incidents
- Islamophobic incidents specifically nearly tripled during this period
- Reports of anti-Muslim hate crimes grew from 84 in 2018 to 229 in 2024
These statistics underscore the challenges facing Muslim communities in Canada and highlight the importance of continued vigilance and community support in combating hatred and discrimination.
What This Means for the Community
For the Muslim community in Montreal’s Verdun borough and across Canada, incidents like this serve as painful reminders of the ongoing struggle against prejudice and hate. Religious leaders and community advocates continue to call for greater awareness, stronger legal protections, and increased solidarity from all Canadians in standing against such acts of intimidation.
The investigation by Montreal police is expected to continue in the coming days as officers work to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. Community members have been encouraged to come forward with any information that might assist investigators in solving this case and ensuring the safety of all residents who use the Islamic Centre of Verdun for worship and community activities.
