Vancouver Police Investigate Threat Against Muslim Community Vancouver police investigate a threat against the Muslim community as menacing emails target Islamic schools in Ontario, B.C. and Quebec, prompting increased patrols and federal response. Vancouver police are investigating a threat against the city's Muslim community after a series of menacing emails targeted Islamic schools and institutions across Canada. The Vancouver Police Department said Friday it is working closely with the Muslim Association of Canada and has increased patrols at locations across the city. The investigation comes as police in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia respond to the same anonymous email threatening violence. Threatening Email Targets Muslim SchoolsThe Muslim Association of Canada said several of its schools in Ontario, B.C. and Quebec received the same anonymous email this week threatening violence. The association said the email contained explicit language targeting Muslim children, families and community members. The email, shared with The Canadian Press and signed by a Citizen Vigilante, threatened to slaughter Muslims and vowed Canada will be Islam free. The association said there was no indication of an imminent or specific threat to any of its schools, but it takes such threats seriously and has activated security protocols.Our schools continue to operate safely and without disruption, the association said. This threat is not simply an attack on Muslims. It is an attack on the values that define Canada. It reflects a growing climate of Islamophobia and polarization that, left unchecked, threatens every community in this country and not just ours.Police in Ontario's Peel region said Friday they are aware of a letter containing hate-motivated threats against Islamic institutions and have increased patrols near mosques and schools, which will continue into the weekend. Police in the London, Ottawa and Waterloo regions of Ontario said they are also investigating threatening emails sent to Islamic schools. The Vancouver Police Department urged anyone who has received a threat or has information about a potential threat to contact police immediately.Police Increase Patrols After ThreatsPublic Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree wrote in a statement that he is deeply disturbed by the threats, saying they are unacceptable and have no place in Canada. The Muslim Association of Canada called on the federal government to provide a clear and decisive response to Islamophobia in Canada. The latest data from Statistics Canada shows the number of police-reported hate crimes against Muslims rose by more than 170 per cent between 2020 and 2024.The Muslim Association of Canada operates numerous schools and community centres across the country. Its security protocols include increased vigilance and coordination with local police. The association said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies. Police in multiple jurisdictions have not announced any arrests, and investigations are ongoing.The threats come amid a broader rise in hate-motivated incidents targeting religious and cultural communities in Canada. Statistics Canada data indicates a significant increase in police-reported hate crimes against Muslims over the past four years. Community leaders have expressed concern about the impact of such threats on feelings of safety and belonging.Vancouver police said they are taking the threat seriously and are working to ensure the safety of all residents. The department has not released further details about the nature of the threat or any potential suspects. The Muslim Association of Canada said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to its community.Anyone with information about the threats is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers. The investigation is ongoing and involves multiple police forces across Canada.