Saskatoon mayor reacts to targeted attack against Muslim man

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said Friday he was upset to hear a Muslim man had been assaulted in the city.

“I am horrified and saddened about the targeted attack on Mohammad Kashif in our own city,” Clark said in an email statement.

Clark explained that Kashif was attacked near his Eastview-home while returning from a walk.

“This is not acceptable in our city. This is not who we want to be. This is not what I want for the Muslim community, or any community,” Clark’s statement read.

Saskatoon police are investigating a serious assault on the 2900 block of Preston Avenue South that occurred at 6 a.m. Friday. Police said a 32-year-old man—whom Clark later identified Kashif— suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

He was taken to hospital for treatment after paramedics assessed him at the scene.

The investigation is in the early stages with support from the Equity and Cultural Engagement Unit.

Police ask anyone with information to come forward.

“We must build a city where everyone is safe to live their lives without fear of being attacked for living out their faith, values or identity,” Clark said in his statement.

Clark joined a community walk Friday evening and planned to continue talks with Muslim leaders.