'Tragic act of hate': Newmarket lowers flags June 10 in memory of Muslim family killed in London, Ont.

Town stands in solidarity with Muslim community, mayor says

Yorkregion.com
June 11, 2021
Lisa Queen

The Town of Newmarket and Central York Fire Services have lowered flags at all their facilities June 10 in memory of the Muslim family killed in what police are calling a hate-motivated attack in London, Ont.

"Sunday’s senseless attack on a London family as we are now learning was fuelled by hatred," Mayor John Taylor said. "This act of terrorism can not be tolerated and we must all work together to stand against hatred and prejudice.

"Newmarket sends our sincerest condolences and joins the rest of the country in mourning the loss of the four members of the Afzaal family, and we hope Fayez Afzaal has a quick recovery as he heals in hospital."

Four members of the Afzaal family in three generations -- Salman Afzaal, Madiha Salman, 15-year-old Yumna, her grandmother, Talat -- were killed while out for a walk on the evening of June 6.

Fayez, 9, suffered serious injuries, but is expected to survive.

London police allege Nathaniel Veltman, 20, intentionally drove his pickup truck into the family.

He has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.

Taylor said Newmarket condemns the "tragic act of hate" and stands in solidarity with the Muslim community.