Vancouver police say Jamia Mosque graffiti was aimed to intimidate, investigation ongoing
Vancouver Police have not classified the November 12 graffiti attack on the city's oldest mosque as a hate crime, saying available evidence is insufficient to prove motive.
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Vancouver Police say the graffiti attack on Jamia Mosque on November 12, 2026 appears to have been aimed at intimidating worshippers, but have not classified it as a hate crime because available evidence is insufficient to prove motive, arabcanadanews.ca reported on November 14.
The attack happened before 11:30 PM at the mosque in the Fairview neighbourhood. Jamia Mosque, established in 1963, is considered Vancouver's oldest mosque. A maintenance worker reported the incident the following morning.
What investigators found
Surveillance footage shows a person wearing a gray jacket and head covering, carrying a black backpack and a red paint can. The person approached the front doors and sprayed a message before 11:30 PM, then left after 90 seconds, according to arabcanadanews.ca.
Vancouver Police Sergeant Adam Donaldson said investigators do not know the specific meaning of the phrase sprayed on the doors. According to arabcanadanews.ca, Sgt. Donaldson indicated the message "seems to be an attempt to intimidate those who attend it."
Why this is not yet a hate crime
Police said the case is classified as property vandalism. Available evidence is insufficient to prove motive, according to VPD. If evidence supporting a hate crime motive emerges during the investigation, the classification could change.
What police are doing
Vancouver Police have increased patrols in the Fairview area. No suspect has been identified or arrested as of November 14.
Mosque director responds
Haroon Khan, director of Jamia Mosque, expressed shock and sadness, arabcanadanews.ca reported. Khan said the mosque recently faced abusive comments on social media before the vandalism. He said he wants to speak with the person responsible to understand their motives.
How residents can help
Anyone with surveillance footage or dashcam recordings from the Fairview area on the night of November 12 is asked to contact Vancouver Police. The information could help identify the person seen on existing footage.
Questions this story answers
What happened at Jamia Mosque on November 12, 2026?
Someone sprayed red paint on the front doors of Jamia Mosque in Vancouver's Fairview neighbourhood before 11:30 PM on November 12, 2026. The mosque, established in 1963, is considered Vancouver's oldest mosque. Vancouver Police responded after a maintenance worker reported the incident the following morning.
What did Vancouver Police say about the investigation?
Vancouver Police Sergeant Adam Donaldson said investigators do not know the specific meaning of the phrase sprayed on the doors, but that placing such a message on the mosque appears to have been an attempt to intimidate people who attend it. Police said available evidence is insufficient to prove hate crime motive, so the case is classified as property vandalism.
Has anyone been arrested in connection with the mosque graffiti?
As of November 14, 2026, no suspect has been identified or arrested. Vancouver Police are asking the public to come forward with any surveillance footage or dashcam recordings that may help identify the person responsible.
What does the surveillance footage show?
Surveillance footage shows a person wearing a gray jacket and head covering, carrying a black backpack and a red paint can, who approached the mosque before 11:30 PM on November 12 and sprayed the message onto the doors. The person left after 90 seconds, the outlet reported.
Why is the attack not being classified as a hate crime?
Vancouver Police say available evidence is insufficient to prove motive. The attack is being investigated as property vandalism. Police stated that if evidence supporting a hate crime motive emerges, charges could change.
What is Jamia Mosque?
Jamia Mosque is the oldest mosque in Vancouver, established in 1963. It is located in the Fairview neighbourhood. The mosque's director, Haroon Khan, said the facility recently faced abusive social media comments before the vandalism took place.
What has Vancouver Police done in response to the attack?
Vancouver Police have increased patrols in the Fairview area where the mosque is located and are actively asking the public to submit any surveillance or dashcam footage from the area on the night of November 12 to help identify the suspect.
What can residents do if they have information about the attack?
Anyone with information or recordings from home surveillance cameras, security cameras or dash cameras from the Fairview area on the night of November 12, 2026 is asked to contact Vancouver Police. This information could help identify the person seen in the existing surveillance footage.
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