Nathaniel Veltman, aged 22, received a life sentence after being found guilty by a jury for the murder of four members of a Muslim family in London, Ontario.
Superior Court Justice Renee Pomerance delivered five life sentences – four for murder and one for attempted murder – reflecting the severity of Veltman’s actions.
The tragic incident occurred in 2021 when Veltman deliberately ran down the family with his truck while they were out for a walk.
Among the victims were Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, their daughter Yumna Afzaal, 15, and Mr. Afzaal’s mother, Talat Afzaal, aged 74.
The couple’s nine-year-old son survived but sustained serious injuries.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Veltman targeted the family at random after noticing the women wearing traditional Pakistani attire.
Justice Pomerance emphasized that Veltman’s motives were rooted in seeking attention, stating, “He wanted to commit a crime against all Muslims by threatening their safety and security.”
Veltman’s sentencing marked the first instance in Canada where a jury deliberated on charges of white supremacist terrorism.
The court received nearly 70 victim impact statements, highlighting the profound and lasting impact of the tragedy on the Afzaal family and the broader Muslim community.
In his statement, the surviving son expressed his profound sadness at the loss of his family and the challenges he faces in recovery.
Reflecting on the attack’s aftermath, concerns were raised within the Muslim community about their safety and security.
Despite Veltman expressing remorse for his actions, claiming influence from a strict Christian upbringing and struggles with mental health issues, Judge Pomerance rejected these explanations during sentencing.
She highlighted Veltman’s consumption of online hate material and the planning involved before the attack, drawing parallels to other notorious acts of mass violence.
The judge’s ruling underscored the reach of hate and extremism facilitated by online platforms, emphasizing the need for vigilance against such ideologies.
Veltman’s lawyer hinted at the possibility of appeal, maintaining that the verdict was expected.
Source-BBC
