Memorial held on Parliament Hill after 'unspeakable' Quebec mosque shooting

Hundreds of peoplegathered around the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hillfor a sombre memorialafter six people were killed and 19 injuredin an attack Sunday on a Quebec City mosque.

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CBC Ottawa streamedthe gathering live, and you can watch it here.

Gov. Gen. David Johnston, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen,Environment Minister Catherine McKennaand Amira Elghawabyfrom the National Council of Canadian Muslims were among the speakers.

Johnston described the shooting as an "unspeakable" act.Hussen, meanwhile,talked about how he had takenhis three young children to the mosque in the past.

"I view mosques and places of worship as places where people go in search of peace and a moment of reflection," Hussen said.

"And to find out, last night, that that very place of worship and tranquility was turned into place where an act of terrorism was committedis contraryto all that we hold dear."

Hussen said Canadians must stand shoulder to shoulder and strengthen each other, a call that was met with the muffled claps of gloved hands on a frigid Ottawa evening.

Ghadeer Abou-Shakra said the event strengthened her belief in her fellow Canadians.

"It's sad because Canadians don't have hate in their hearts. We've never experienced this," she said. "I woke up this morning with friends texting meand saying,we love you, we welcome you here, and you're accepted."

The memorial concluded with a moment of silenceand a solemn singing of O Canada.

Memorial in Gatineau

Another memorial was also scheduled to take placeMonday afternoonat theAylmerMosque inGatineau.

Imam Mohammed Lahlou was pleasantly surprised at the turnout for that event, which included leaders from several faith groups.

"Tonight, I'm so surprised," Lahlousaid. "I didn't expect such number of Canadian fellows coming to support us, to send us some warm messages, prayers, thoughts, to support our community. They made me proud, belonging to this warm society, this welcoming country."

Lahlousaid he wouldbe doing his best, through his speeches and other activities, to rebuild the feeling of safety and security in the community.

The AylmerMosque, however,has suspended some of its programming as its membership deals with the shock of the recent attack.

The fatal shooting happened at around 8 p.m. Sunday during evening prayers at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Qubec (Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec).

On Monday, Quebec policearrested and charged 28-year-old Alexandre Bissonnette with six counts of first-degree murder and fivecounts of attempted murder.