---
title: "Vancouver police say Jamia Mosque graffiti was aimed to intimidate, investigation ongoing"
description: "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."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/news/jamia-mosque-vandalism-investigation-november-2026"
last_updated: "2026-11-15T10:00:00.389Z"
---

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.

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