MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The male suspect approached the group of refugees, who gathered near the Muslim Association of Canada Centre, on a bicycle and attacked them with the pepper spray, the CBC television reported.
Between 15 and 30 Syrian refugees have been hit with pepper spray after a welcoming event in #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/UwkDZ1uBUO
— Rafferty Baker (@raffertybaker) January 9, 2016
Several children lost consciousness, according to the channel.
Local police have reportedly launched an investigation into the attack and are searching for the perpetrator. Investigators said it was too early to comment on a possible motive for the attack, according to the media.
Later on Saturday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack.
I condemn the attack on Syrian refugees in Vancouver. This isn't who we are — and doesn't reflect the warm welcome Canadians have offered.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 9, 2016
Amid the largest migrant crisis since World War II, in late November 2015, Canada’s Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on Refugees Chair Jane Philpott announced that the country would welcome 25,000 refugees by the end of February, 2016.
