Police identify man stabbed to death outside Etobicoke mosque as Mohamed-Aslim Zafis, 58

Toronto police have identifiedthe victim of a fatalstabbingat an Etobicoke mosque on Saturday evening as 58-year-old Mohamed-Aslim Zafis.

Police say Zafis, of Toronto,was stabbed once by a man while sitting outside the front doors ofthe International Muslim Organization (IMO) mosque, 65 Rexdale Blvd., near Islington Avenue.

Zafis, working as a volunteer caretaker at the mosque,wascontrolling accessinto the place of worship to ensure compliancewith public health regulations.He is Toronto's 52nd homicide victim of the year.

Officers responded to acall of unknown trouble around 8:40 p.m. When paramedics arrived, they found Zafiswithout vital signs. Police confirmed hedied atthe scene.

Ayman Tahir, Imam at the IMO mosque, was inside when he heard that Zafis was on the ground outside.

"We rushed outside to find out what happened to him. We found the blood all over the place," Tahir said.

People immediately called 911, he added. Police have not confirmed whether the killingis a hate crime and Tahirsaid he is urging people not to speculate.

"We don't know anything. The community is in shock, in grief, and in denial. We're waiting for the police investigations."

Officers are now searching forthesuspect, who isdescribed asa slim man wearing a black hoodie and dark pants and whowas seen fleeingthe scene on foot.

The IMO of Torontoissued a statement on social media Saturday night, saying the organization was "deeply saddened and shocked" to learn about the "tragic incident."

"There are no words for what happened to the member of this congregation," the statement reads.

"We further encourage our community not to speculate on what happened as the investigation is ongoing. Instead, we ask that you keep our brother and his family in your prayers."

Members shocked, overwhelmed by incident

Some members of the mosqueexpressed shock when they heardabout the stabbing.

"From what I know, ever since I've been going there, something like this has never happened.There's never been any acts of violence in that mosque or even outside that mosque," said Shehroz Shabbir, a long-time member.

"I'm just completely overwhelmed and shocked by the incident that took place last night."

He also knew Zafisand described fond memories of him.

"Ever since I could remember, I would see him. He spoke different languages. He treated everyone very kindly," Shabbir said.

"This is where people come to find peace and prosperity," he said. "For something like this to happenthere, this very sad."

HalimaMohammed,a member with the IMOfor 23 years, said he remembers speaking with Zafislast Sunday at the mosque.

"He's such a nice person. Very kind and nice."

The building has closed its doors for now and the organization says it will reopen when the investigation is concluded and it is deemed safe for the congregation to return.

The mosque hasissued a follow-up statement that advisesthat people affected by the killing can contact a mental health hotline or arrange a meeting with a spiritual counsellor.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the stabbing to come forward. Anyone with information is urgedto callpolice, or CrimeStoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.

Investigators are looking for cell phone images, dashboard camera footage and security video.