Vigil against violence brings community together at city hall
Mayor calls on public to protect refugee children as they head to school, daycare
Hundreds of everyday Edmonton residents, including Muslims, politicians and police officers, gathered in the frigid rain in Churchill Square on Sunday night, linking arms and joining together in calls for unity.
Several speakers praised the actions of the police while making pleas for Edmonton not to be defined by Saturday night’s “acts of terrorism” in which a 30-yearold man is accused of rampaging through city streets, injuring five people.
The man is suspected of using a white Chevrolet Malibu to ram a police officer before stabbing him near Commonwealth Stadium. He is also suspected of later leading police on a chase in a U-Haul truck, which was used to run over four pedestrians on Jasper Avenue before the truck was stopped.
Yasin Cetin was out having tea with friends when the attacks happened and he didn’t fully grasp what had occurred until he drove through downtown and saw streets shut down by police.
He works for the Muslim Association of Canada and went to work to make sure communities are safe. He said all are grieving together.
“We love our city and when someone attacks us, they’re attacking our city,” Cetin said.
Premier Rachel Notley spoke to how the injured Const. Mike Chernyk kept the attacker from stealing his gun despite being hit by the suspect’s car and being stabbed.
The vigil, organized by the Alberta Muslim Public Affairs Council, opened with the singing of O Canada and ended with attendees linking arms in solidarity.
Despite the tragic circumstances, many were upbeat, hugging and shaking hands with each other.
Holding a sign that said “we stand united! #EPSSTRONG,” Muazz Ahmed, 13, said the attacks should not happen to anyone.
“I thought it’s not possible because things like this never happen in Edmonton, so I was shocked,”
“I thought it’s not possible because things like this never happen in Edmonton, so I was shocked.
Ahmed said. “We’re here for the police service. We support everyone and we’re thankful for the police.”
Rob Aromin said the people at the vigil represent the community as he held a sign saying: “Let’s stand together. Let’s love not hate.”
“Hate is just going to destroy us,” he said. “If we can stand together and love each other, love is so great. It’s better than hate. Peace is the way to go.”
Cheers erupted for police officers at the rally and for any mention of the survivors of the attack.
Mayor Don Iveson said his one fear is for refugee children as they head to schools and day cares on Monday, and he called on Edmontonians to protect them.
There was a heavy security presence with roads blocked off surrounding Churchill Square and police snipers watching the event from rooftops.