The Quebec City mosque shooting, officially known in French as l'Attentat de la Grande Mosquée de Québec, was a devastating act of terrorism that occurred on the evening of January 29, 2017. This tragic event unfolded at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City (Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec), a prominent mosque situated in the Sainte-Foy neighbourhood of Quebec City, Canada.

The attack commenced shortly before 8:00 PM, following evening prayers, when 27-year-old Alexandre Bissonnette entered the prayer hall. Armed with a 9mm Glock pistol, he unleashed gunfire for approximately two minutes, transforming a place of worship into a scene of unimaginable horror. Six worshippers tragically lost their lives, and five others sustained serious injuries. At the time of the shooting, approximately 40 individuals were present within the mosque, seeking spiritual solace.

Legal Aftermath and Sentencing of Alexandre Bissonnette

The perpetrator, Alexandre Bissonnette, who was 27 years old at the time of the attack, later pleaded guilty to six counts of first-degree murder and six counts of attempted murder. This plea acknowledged his direct responsibility for the deaths and serious injuries inflicted.

Initial Sentencing and Appeal

On February 8, 2019, Bissonnette was initially sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 40 years. This landmark sentence aimed to reflect the grave nature of his crimes.

However, the Court of Appeal of Quebec subsequently reviewed the sentence. On appeal, the court found the 40-year parole ineligibility period to be unconstitutionally cruel and unusual punishment, citing Section 12 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Consequently, the sentence was adjusted to life in prison with parole eligibility after 25 years. This adjustment aligned with the standard parole ineligibility period for first-degree murder convictions under Canadian law, unless a judge imposes a higher concurrent or consecutive period, which was challenged here.

Supreme Court Involvement

Quebec prosecutors, seeking to reinstate the original 40-year parole ineligibility period, pursued an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. Leave to appeal was granted on May 27, 2021, indicating the case's national significance and the legal complexities surrounding sentencing for mass murder.

Societal Impact and National Remembrance

The Quebec City mosque shooting immediately ignited widespread and critical discussions across Canada regarding the pervasive issues of Islamophobia, racism, and the growing threat of right-wing terrorism. It compelled a national introspection on societal tolerance and the dangers of extremism.

Both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and then-Premier of Quebec, Philippe Couillard, unequivocally condemned the shooting, labelling it a terrorist attack. Despite this political designation, it is important to note that Alexandre Bissonnette was not charged or sentenced under the specific terrorism provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada, nor was he consistently described as a terrorist by all legal and terrorism experts in their official capacities. The legal classification of the act remained a point of public discussion.

In a significant step towards national healing and remembrance, on the fourth anniversary of the attack, the Government of Canada, led by Prime Minister Trudeau, announced plans to officially commemorate the day of the attack. January 29th is now recognized as The National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec Mosque Attack and of Action Against Islamophobia. This day serves as a solemn tribute to the victims, a reaffirmation of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to combat all forms of religious discrimination and hatred.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Quebec City mosque shooting occur?

The tragic attack took place on the evening of January 29, 2017.

Where exactly did the shooting happen?

It occurred at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City (Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec), located in the Sainte-Foy neighbourhood of Quebec City, Canada.

Who was the perpetrator of the attack?

The perpetrator was Alexandre Bissonnette, who was 27 years old at the time of the shooting.

How many lives were lost and injured in the shooting?

Six worshippers were killed, and five others sustained serious injuries.

What was Alexandre Bissonnette’s sentence?

Alexandre Bissonnette was sentenced to life in prison. Initially, he had no possibility of parole for 40 years, but this was reduced to 25 years upon appeal by the Quebec Court of Appeal, a decision which is currently under appeal at the Supreme Court of Canada.

Why was the initial sentence reduced?

The Court of Appeal of Quebec deemed the 40-year parole ineligibility period unconstitutionally cruel and unusual punishment under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Is there a national day of remembrance for this event?

Yes, January 29th is now officially recognized as The National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec Mosque Attack and of Action Against Islamophobia in Canada.