Islamic schools in Canada on high alert after violent threats

Nine Islamic schools operated by the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) are on high alert following a series of anonymous emails threatening violence against Muslims. The emails, sent to schools in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec within a 24-hour period, were signed by a “Citizen Vigilante” and contained threats of “slaughter” and vows to make Canada “Islam free.”

In response to the threats, MAC has hired private security to ensure student safety. Local law enforcement, including the Peel Regional Police in Ontario, have been notified and are investigating the matter as a hate-motivated threat. Police have increased patrols near mosques and schools in certain areas.

MAC spokesperson Nabil Sultan noted that while the organization frequently receives Islamophobic communications, this is the first time its schools have been targeted with such direct threats. The incident occurs amid rising statistics regarding hate crimes in Canada; according to Statistics Canada, police-reported hate crimes against Muslims increased by over 170 per cent between 2020 and 2024.