By: Ruth Escarlan and Neha Lobana
Quebec police said one of the two men arrested after Sunday’s mosque shooting has been released from custody and is now being treated as a witness.
The shooting at Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec has left 6 people killed and injured 19 others, two of whom are in critical condition.
Local media reported that the two men who were taken into custody were students at Université Laval.
Quebec Public Security Minister, Martin Coiteux, said security has increased at mosques across the province and Université Laval.
Quebec City police gave more details of Sunday carnage. Insp. Denis Turcotte said at 7:50 p.m. frantic calls were coming in from the cultural centre.
Police on site realized with numerous victims, it was a “major incident” which led to all police staff available in Quebec City to be called upon.
Police arrested one person on site and another five kilometres away from Quebec City.
“At about 8:10 in the evening the second suspect gets in touch through 911. He mentions he is armed and he’d like to speak to us. He seemed like he wants to cooperate with us,” said Turcotte.
RCMP said in a news conference that the investigation is still underway to identify the motive of the attack. Charges have yet to be laid.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will travel to Quebec City in wake of the shooting
At the House of Commons on Monday afternoon, Trudeau said:
“This was a group of innocents targeted for practicing their faith. Make no mistake, this was a terrorist attack. It was an attack on out most intrinsic values as Canadians, values of openness, diversity and freedom of religion.
Our hearts go out to the families of the victims.”
U.S. President Donald Trump called Trudeau to express his condolences.
Tweets of support and solidarity have come in from all around the world.
Vigils and solidarity memorials across Canada will be held tonight.