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RCMP investigate hate crime

Hateful message written in snow outside Red Deer Islamic Centre
web1_Hate-crime

RCMP are searching for a suspect who carved a hate message in the snow outside Red Deer Islamic Centre on Sunday.

Police were called to the centre on Douglas Avenue about 7:30 a.m. A surveillance camera recorded a male approaching the stairs to the centre before writing an unidentified hateful message in the snow. It was signed “E.K.”

No damage was done to the building. The suspect approached and left the building from the north.

“Public incitement of hatred is defined as everyone who, by communicating statements, promotes hatred against any identifiable groups,” says Red Deer RCMP

“The act at the Red Deer Islamic Center is considered a hate crime – mischief to religious property under the Criminal Code of Canada, and it is taken very seriously by Red Deer RCMP.”

The male suspect is described as wearing a hoodie and ball cap under a jacket (possibly Carhartt brand), light-coloured pants and dark running shoes.

Anyone with information or who recognizes the suspect is asked to contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com. If information leads to an arrest, a tipster could be eligible for a cash reward up to $2,000.