VPD Launches Hate Crime Investigation After Graffiti Sprayed on Fairview Mosque

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has launched an investigation after graffiti was spray-painted across the entrance of a mosque in the city’s Fairview neighbourhood early Friday morning.

According to police, officers were on foot patrol near West 8th Avenue and Heather Street when a staff member from the Al Masjid Al Jamia Mosque flagged them down to report the vandalism. Police confirmed that the message "UK BLOOD IS ON YOUR HAND" had been sprayed across the building's front doors.

Investigators are currently canvassing the surrounding area for surveillance video and gathering physical evidence to identify the individual responsible for the incident.

Speaking on the incident, VPD Sgt. Adam Donaldson emphasized the impact such acts have on local worshippers and the broader community. He assured members of the Muslim community that this behaviour will not be tolerated, adding that investigators will pursue hate crime charges if the gathered evidence supports them.

In response to the vandalism, residents in the Fairview area can expect to see an increased police presence with additional patrols deployed to the neighbourhood. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has information related to the incident is urged to contact the Vancouver Police Department.