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MP shocked over killings at mosque

Mel Arnold says, "This is a cowardly act and it has no place in civilized society."
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Emergency personnel and media gather outside of the Quebec City Islamic Cultural Centre after a mass shooting Sunday night.

Those responsible for a mass shooting at a Quebec City mosque are being described as cowards.

On Sunday night, six men were killed and 19 others were injured during evening prayers at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec.

"I was shocked to hear the news. I am disappointed this was happening in Canada," said Mel Arnold, North Okanagan-Shuswap MP, who was recently in Quebec City.

"People who go to a place of worship, no matter the faith, should feel safe."

Two men were arrested after the shooting although police are not speculating on the motive.

"This is a cowardly act and it has no place in civilized society," said Arnold.

Arnold isn't sure if the shooting may be connected to events in the U.S. and particularly President Donald Trump's executive order banning visitors from seven primarily Muslim nations.

"What's happening across the border isn't healthy for any country. I wold urge restraint in this country," said Arnold.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insists the shooting was senseless.

“Muslim-Canadians are an important part of our national fabric, and these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities and country," he said in a release.

"Canadian law enforcement agencies will protect the rights of all Canadians, and will make every effort to apprehend the perpetrators of this act and all acts of intolerance."