Hate Crimes Unit Investigates Incident at Watt Street Islamic Centre: C26-187131

Released: July 31, 2026 at 12:35 p.m.

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Update:

The Winnipeg Police Service Hate Crimes Unit continues to investigate the suspected hate-motivated attack on the Rahma Islamic Centre.

Further investigation has determined that the damage to the mosque was likely caused by an airsoft or pellet-style gun.

In addition, investigators are looking into a report of damage to a residence in the 600 block of Roberta Avenue. The incident is reported to have occurred at 10:15 p.m. on the same evening and damage to the windows of the residence is believed to have been caused by an airsoft or pellet-style gun as well.

Due to the proximity and time frame of both incidents, investigators are attempting to determine if the incidents are related.

The Hate Crimes Unit continues to investigate the incidents. Anyone with information, video, including dash cam video, is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org

Reports regarding hate motivated crime (excluding graffiti) can be made in person, by calling non-emergency at 204-986-2222, on through online reporting.

As previously released:

The Winnipeg Police Service Hate Crimes Unit is investigating a suspected hate-motivated attack on the Rahma Islamic Centre located in the 500 block of Watt Street.

On July 29, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., passing East District officers observed freshly broken windows at the mosque. Officers initiated an investigation and learned that a suspect vehicle had driven by, during which time, a firearm was potentially discharged in the direction of the mosque, which is believed to have caused damage to the windows, before fleeing southbound on Watt Street. Later, two suspects arrived on foot and caused additional damage by breaking additional windows with an unknown object. No injuries were reported.

Additionally, officers also learned that suspects had attended earlier in the evening and shouted racist comments towards patrons.

The WPS is treating the incident as a potential hate-motivated crime involving both property damage and the reported discharge of a firearm at a mosque.

In light of this incident, the Winnipeg Police Service intends to increase its presence and patrols in and around the Rahma Islamic Centre and other area mosques.

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