Man Named Mohammad , Who Attacked Muslims With An Axe And Mace Sentenced To 8 Years

The man who assaulted worshippers at a mosque in Mississauga, Ont., last year with bear spray and an axe has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Justice Bruce Durno delivered the sentence during a hearing at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Brampton on Tuesday. The length of the sentence conforms with a joint recommendation submitted by the Crown and Defence.

"This was a targeted attack on all the congregants of the Islamic Centre, the worshippers present at the time, and on some of the values held dear by Canadians," Sarah Shaikh, a federal prosecutor with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada said in a statement.

"The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and society's condemnation for such attacks."

Mohammad Moiz Omar "intended to perpetrate a mass casualty event" when he entered the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre during early morning prayer on March 19, 2022 and sprayed bear spray toward congregants while swinging a hatchet, according to an agreed statement of facts.

According to the statement, he was motivated by an intense hatred for and desire to intimidate Muslims, prompted by his belief that Islam is "an intolerant and violent religion."