By HAN News Desk
EDMONTON — Family members say the neighbour fired several bullets through the wall separating the two homes while a Somali mother was preparing dinner for her children. The gunfire narrowly missed the family, leaving them deeply shaken.
“I was cooking for my kids when I heard what sounded like explosions,” the mother told reporters. “At first, I thought something fell in the kitchen, but then I realized it was gunfire coming through the wall. I grabbed my children and told them to get down.”
Although no one was injured, the bullets left visible damage to the walls and kitchen.
Edmonton police confirmed that a white male suspect has been arrested. Investigators say they are exploring whether the shooting was motivated by racial hatred, but members of the Somali community insist it was clearly a hate crime.
“This was a hate crime — there’s no other explanation,” said Ahmed-yaasiin Jaamac Cabdulqadir, a community organizer and relative of the victims. “Someone doesn’t shoot into a home full of children unless they’re driven by hate.”
The incident has sparked outrage across Edmonton. Community members gathered for an emergency meeting, expressing fear and frustration over what they describe as ongoing hostility toward Black and Muslim residents. Many are calling for justice, stronger police protection, and mental health support for the affected family.
“Our community is scared,” said Ahmed-yaasiin. “Families are questioning whether they’re truly safe in their own homes. We’re demanding justice and stronger protection from law enforcement.”
City officials and advocacy groups have joined the calls for the shooting to be recognized as a hate-motivated crime. Several councillors and human rights organizations have issued statements of solidarity with the Somali community.
“We came to Canada seeking peace and opportunity,” said one community member. “Now our children are afraid to sleep. This is unacceptable.”
Edmonton’s Somali community, one of the largest in Canada, has long contributed to the city’s cultural and economic life. Many now fear that this incident could deepen mistrust between marginalized communities and authorities.
The Edmonton Police Service says the investigation remains ongoing.
