Vancouver Police are currently on the hunt for a cyclist who reportedly pepper sprayed a large crowd of Syrian Refugees who were standing outside of the Muslim Association of Canada Centre, located at 2122 Kingsway Avenue in Vancouver.
The Syrian Refugees along with local politicians were attending a “Welcome Event” held by the Muslim Association on Friday night. Around 10:30pm, majority of the group standing outside, including men, women, and children began coughing and screaming.
“A number of people were treated for exposure to the pepper-spray by paramedics and the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service” says a press release from the VPD. “Police are searching for the man on the bicycle, who is believed to have been wearing a white hooded sweatshirt.”
The motive for pepper-spraying is unknown at the time, and no arrests have been made.
Justin Trudeau took to Twitter upon hearing the news, and declared the incident does not represent who Canadians truly are.
I condemn the attack on Syrian refugees in Vancouver. This isn’t who we are – and doesn’t reflect the warm welcome Canadians have offered.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 9, 2016
Do you believe the suspect on the bicycle had a motive? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
