A male is facing charges after making online threats toward a mosque in Pickering.
Hate crime in Durham has surged 77 per cent (see below) between 2023 and 2024, according to Region of Durham.
On Wednesday, January 28, members of the Hate Crime and Extremism Unit received information from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) about threats made to the Ahmadiyya Durham Mosque Baitul Mahdi located at 3505 Salem Road in Pickering.
The suspect was identified and arrested on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at a residence in Toronto without incident.
The 65-year old suspect from Toronto was released on an undertaking. Name and further details available at www.drps.ca.
“We recognize the significant impact these types of incidents have on our community, particularly among members of the Muslim communities. Acts that target or instill fear in any group are unacceptable and we remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. We are working closely with community leaders to provide support and reassurance, and we stand firmly against hate, discrimination, and intolerance in all forms,” said a police statement.
“Hate Crime” is not a standalone charge in the Criminal Code of Canada; instead, if a crime is motivated by hate, that factor can be considered during sentencing to increase the severity of the penalty. For more information: https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/hate-crime/
Anyone with any information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Robertson of the Hate Crime and Extremism Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5859.
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