Muslim Truck Attack Victims given Farewell with Coffins Draped in Canadian Flags

London: Several hundred mourners joined a public funeral on Saturday to bid farewell to a Canadian Muslim family who was tracked and killed by a man in a pick-up truck last Sunday, which later on police stated was driven by hate.

The hour-long ceremony began after the four Canadian-flagged coffins entered the compound of Islamic Center in southwest Ontario, and ended with prayers and condolences from religious and community leaders. The four victims, over three generations, were killed when 20-year-old Nathaniel Veltman bumped into them while they were out for an evening walk near their home, Ontario. A fifth member of the family, a 9-year-old boy, is now recovering from his injuries in hospital.

Police said the attack was premeditated, and claimed the family was targeted because of their faith in Islam. Later, the funeral procession proceeded for a private burial.

"The fact that their coffins are covered in the beautiful Canadian flag is an apt testament to the fact that the entire Canadian nation stands with them," High Commissioner Raza Bashir Tarar.

The attack sparked outrage across Canada, with politicians on all sides condemning the crime, leading to growing calls for action to curb hate crimes and Islamophobia. City of London, 200 kilometers (120 miles) southwest of Toronto, has seen a great deal of support after the attack.

"Regardless of color and creed, expressions of raw emotion, prayers, silent tears, and messages of condolence from people we knew and complete strangers, were the first step in finding a way to heal." Ali Islam, maternal uncle of Madiha Salman, one of the victims, said at the gathering.

Veltman, who will return to court on Monday, faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the killings a "terrorist attack" and vowed to crack down on far-right groups and online hate.

"I think we are emotionally exhausted," Imam Aarij Anwer told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation before the ceremony. “Hopefully, we are looking forward for some closure on Saturday.”