Ottawa police say they are increasing their presence around several Muslim schools after threatening emails were sent to them for the second time in just over two weeks. According to a statement on social media from the Ottawa Police Service, hateful and threatening emails were sent to Muslim Association of Canada schools and centres on Sept. 20 and Oct. 6. “We recognize how deeply concerning and unsettling these threats may be for members of Ottawa’s Muslim community,” Ottawa police wrote on Wednesday. “OPS is in contact with Muslim community leaders and local institutions to hear their concerns, share information and provide support. We have also increased our police presence around affected Ottawa locations to provide reassurance and help support community safety.” On Sept. 25, the Muslim Association of Canada said nine of its schools across Canada had received threats. In response to the threatening messages, Ottawa police said they had increased visibility at locations that had received emails, though they said there was no indication of a “specific or imminent threat.” In a Sept. 30 statement on social media, the Muslim Association of Canada said they were in communication with the RCMP, local police and the federal government following the threats. “We recognize that this situation has raised concerns among many parents,” the association said. “That is natural. We want you to know that the level of security we have implemented reflects the actual assessed risk informed by law enforcement, not by fear.” The Muslim Association of Canada operates three schools in Ottawa. Ottawa police did not specify which locations received threats. “Everyone has the right to learn, worship and gather without fear. Hate, threats and intimidation have no place in our community,” Ottawa police said. Ottawa police ask anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate-motived crime or incident to report it to the Ottawa Police Service’s Hate and Bis Crime Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300, or online at ottawapolice.ca/report. “Call 9-1-1 if a crime is in progress or there is an immediate threat to safety,” Ottawa police wrote. With files from The Canada Press
