Prince George, B.C. –  Premier Christy Clark has issued  the following statement in the wake of the  tragic  shooting  at a  Quebec City Mosque:

“Like all Canadians, I was shocked and saddened by the tragic shooting in Quebec. Like all houses of worship, mosques are sanctuaries of peace and reflection. There is no greater violation. The world looks at Canada as a beacon of hope and peace, not just because of our diversity, but because we celebrate and embrace it. That is our greatest strength – and must not change.  As Canadians, we must speak up in the face of rising intolerance and hatred. Those who would seek to divide us through fear prey on silence, but they will fail. We will continue to cherish our differences, and welcome the world to our shores.  All British Columbians join with our fellow Canadians to mourn those lost in yesterday’s tragic events. You will not be forgotten.”

Prime Minister Trudeau as well as the leaders of the  federal  Conservative and NDP   will be making their way  to  Quebec City  to offer support to  the Muslim community.

Here in Prince George, a rally has been   planned  for  this evening outside City Hall to  show  support for the Muslim community here.   That rally is expected to start  at 5:30.

The shooting yesterday at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec mosque  left 6 dead,  and injured several others.

One person  has been charged, he is 27 year old Alexandre Bissonnette.  He has been charged with 6 counts of first degree murder, and five of attempted murder.   The second man who had been taken into custody last evening is a witness to the attack.