Man charged after youths threatened at mosque

Winnipeg police have charged a 48-year-old man who allegedly threatened children outside a mosque Saturday afternoon.

Kadar Ahmed, president of the Winnipeg Islamic Centre Masjid Bilal on Warnock Street, previously said someone made “hateful and threatening comments,” frightening kids who were present.

Police said Tuesday a suspect approached several youths and made threatening gestures toward them. The youths reported the incident to a staff member, who contacted police.

The suspect continued to make threats when the employee went outside to speak to him, police said. Officers arrested a suspect in the 1200 block of Logan Avenue a short time later.

Ahmed said mosque leaders were relieved charges had been laid.

“Every child and every family should be able to attend a place of worship and participate in community life without fear or intimidation,” he said in a statement.

Police said Sean Michael Woo is charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. He was held in custody.