The Facts
On Monday, Federal prosecutors in Canada began their opening arguments against a defendant facing murder charges for the deaths of four members of a Muslim family, claiming the event was motivated by white nationalism as part of an act of terrorism.
On June 6, 2021, five individuals spanning three generations of the same family were hit by a black pickup truck when it drove onto the curb in London, Ontario. The driver of the truck has been named as Nathaniel Veltman, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Spin
Progressive narrative
Islamophobia in Canada has continued to rise in recent years, taking shape as both overt and blatant acts of violence as well as subtle and cynical forms of behavior within Canada's political and journalist realms. Domestic terrorism against Muslims must be acknowledged in the courts as so, and until such behavior is legally viewed in this manner, Canada will remain, for many, a country of hate.
Conservative narrative
While the tragedy of what occurred in London, Ontario, is clear for all to witness, it's supposed to be the judicial court, not the court of political and public opinion, making a decision on the nature of the crime. More importantly, this heinous — but isolated — act isn't representative of the entire nation, which has worked diligently to prosecute and prevent such horrific crimes.