'Mass murder' of Muslim family in London, Ont., condemned by community groups, politicians

The hit-and-run deaths of a Muslim family in London, Ont.,in what police believe was a targeted attack drew condemnation from members of the Muslim community, interest groups and politicians across Canada as condolences poured in to those affected.

4 of 5 family members on a Sunday walk were killed after a driver crashed into them

CBC News Posted: Jun 07, 2021 6:28 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 8, 2021

A woman lays flowers at a growing memorial at the London, Ont., site of a truck attack on a Muslim family of five. Police believe the family, four who died and a nine-year-old in hospital, were targeted because of their faith. (Colin Butler/CBC News)

The hit-and-run deaths of a Muslim family in London, Ont.,in what police believe was a targeted attack drew condemnation Monday from members of the Muslim community, interest groups and politicians across Canada as condolences poured in to those affected.

Fivemembers of the same family, ranging in age from nine to 74 years old, were outon a Sunday evening walk when thedriver of a pickup truck hopped a curb and crashedinto them. All buta nine-year-old boy, who remains in hospital with serious injuries, were killed. Their names haven't yet been released on request of the family.

Nathaniel Veltman, 20, of London, Ont., was charged Monday with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. He was arrested late Sundayin a shopping mall's parking lot a short distance from the scene of the incident.

Police believe the family was targeted because they are Muslim.

Words 'are not enough'

London Mayor Ed Holder, speaking out Monday, didn't mince words.

"Let me be clear: This was an act of mass murder, perpetrated against Muslims against Londoners and rooted in unspeakable hatred," he said. "The magnitude of such hatred can make one question who we are as a city, and who we are as Londoners. It's up to us all of us to answer that question, through not only our words, but our actions. We can say 'this isn't who we are,'and I know that to be true."

He also stressed that action is needed, as words "are not enough. We must demonstrate, behave, and act on those words. This act of unspeakable hatred, this act of Islamaphobia, must be followed by acts of compassion, acts of kindness, acts of empathy, acts of solidarity justice and, above all else, love."

Social media reaction to the tragedy has also been pouring in:

Im horrified by the news from London, Ontario. To the loved ones of those who were terrorized by yesterdays act of hatred, we are here for you. We are also here for the child who remains in hospital - our hearts go out to you, and you will be in our thoughts as you recover.
—@JustinTrudeau

(1/3) Reports that the killing of a family in London, Ontario was hate motivated because of their Muslim faith is horrific and heart-breaking. To the family and friends of the victims, I want to express my deepest condolences during this unimaginably difficult time.
—@erinotoole

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those lost, and to everyone in the London & Muslim communities shaken by these events. All Canadians must confront racism and violence anywhere we see it so we can create a country safe and welcoming for all people.
—@BillBlair

Islamaphobia is very real and it has lived rent free in London for far too long.#ldnont
—@MohamedMOSalih

The news from London, ON is horrifying

A Muslim family was out for a walk - like many this pandemic

They were murdered because of their faith

This is an act of Islamophobia & terror

More than ever we must stand w/ our Muslim family, friends & neighbours against such vile hate https://t.co/yyA39WbjR8
—@theJagmeetSingh

Islamophobia has consequences.

Hearing the news of yet another Muslim family attacked, targeting 5 & killing 4, is painful.

Its painful as a father.

Its painful as a Muslim.

Its painful as a Canadian.

It must stop, there is no place for hate in our country. https://t.co/ZrDbFVuzmw
—@HonAhmedHussen

I was horrified to learn of a disgusting act of Islamophobic terror in London that targeted and killed three generations of a family.

My heart aches for the family, loved ones & community reeling from this heinous attack & devastating loss. #ldnont #ONpoli 1/2
—@AndreaHorwath

Lets all pray for the 9 year old boy who remains in #lLdnOnt hospital tonight after losing his entire family in last nights terrorizing mass murder that targeted Londons #Muslim community.
—@KateYoungMP

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