Surrey mosque vandalized: Community leaders demand action against Islamophobia
Published 12:56 pm Wednesday, September 2, 2026
A mosque in Surrey, B.C. was vandalized over the weekend with someone writing “hateful and threatening” words on the building and leaving pieces of raw bacon.
The RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (SPOSU) is investigating whether the incident was motivated by hate, which occurred sometime between 11 p.m. Friday (Aug. 28) and 5 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 28) at The Fleetwood Islamic Center.
In a post to Facebook, the Fleetwood Islamic Academy Society general secretary, Haji, Asif Ali, stated that the threats, “get out or die!” and “Islam is Trash,” were written on the walls outside of the mosque and were found the following morning by community members attending morning prayer.
Pieces of raw bacon were also found hanging from a door handle and near the windows. This is “reminiscent of the pig animal matter left in front of the Quebec City Mosque before the 2017 massacre there,” Ali said.
“We also know that these kinds of threats and similar Islamophobic acts have afflicted Muslims across the country on almost a daily basis in recent months,” Ali said. “We are taking all steps and procedures to ensure our congregants stay safe, and we urge all leaders in BC to stand up with us against hateful attacks and ensure a better future for all communities here in Surrey.”
Police are looking to identify a person who was seen on security footage from the centre before the “alleged incident took place.”
The man was wearing a dark green hoodie with red lettering on the front, dark cargo pants, red shoes with whole soles, and a blue bag. Police believe he was driving a “small, white four-door sedan.”
Investigators are looking into whether the incident was a hate crime.
Anyone with information about the man’s identity, or who may have dashcam or video footage of the incident, is asked to contact Surrey Police Service at 604-599-0502 and speak with investigators regarding file # 26-27049 (SU).
Police in Surrey are looking to identify a person who was seen on security footage from the centre before the “alleged incident took place.” The man was wearing a dark green hoodie that had red lettering on the front, dark cargo pants, red shoes, & was carrying a blue bag. pic.twitter.com/ynQ2Yf1azc
— Anna Burns (@AnnaBBurns) September 2, 2026
The National Council of Canadian Muslims stated in a post, “enough is enough.”
“This sort of intimidation and hatred has become a norm in Canada against the Muslim community. It is deeply disturbing and disappointing. It is time for elected officials to sit down with community members to build a national strategy on combating Islamophobia.”
Several politicians have condemned the attacks, including B.C. Premier David Eby and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “No one should face threats of violence while attending their place of worship. Islamophobia has no place in BC,” Eby said.
Locke said, “The hateful messages and threats directed at the Fleetwood Islamic Centre are deeply offensive and heartbreaking. Attempts to intimidate people because of their faith undermine the sense of safety and belonging that every resident deserves.
“I stand with the Muslim community and the members of the Fleetwood Islamic Centre at this difficult time. I am grateful to the RCMP for their work investigating this incident to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
Annie Ohana, a teacher at L.A. Matheson Secondary in Surrey, stated she is “sickened” by the attack. In her work as a teacher and leader of Mustang Justice, the school’s youth social justice leadership program, she has seen firsthand the “incredible work, responsible citizenry, and beautiful leadership” of many members of the Muslim community.
This is a time when the community must stand together against hate, Ohana said.
“As a Sephardic Jew, I stand with you. I fight with you, and you deserve the love, kindness, and well wishes you give all of us,” Ohana said. “We all have to fight this together. Our community is under attack…we must all remain the vanguard against such hate,” she said.