Canada's open immigration stance led to killing, says Quebec city mosque shooter

Alexandre Bissonnette said in an interrogation that his anxiety about his family becoming victims of a terrorist attack increased after Canada welcomed refugees.

The interrogation has reportedly been played in Quebec City courtroom on the third hearing day.

Bissonnette has been quoted by CBC News, "The Canadian government was, you know, going to take in more refugees, you know, those who couldn't go to the United States would end up here."

He said he became obsessed with the idea that an attack is necessary to prevent the countrymen from a terrorist attack, which he felt was imminent then.

The shooter said he was preoccupied with the idea for months that his family would be killed by the terrorists and he will have to do something.

Bissonnette said he became obsessed after 2016 chemical attack in the US that claimed 86 lives.

Welcoming the refugees, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: "To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada"

The shooting at a mosque left six people dead and nineteen others injured in Quebec City of Canada in Jan 2017. The fire was opened by a lone gunman after the evening prayer.

The 28-year old shooter pleaded guilty in March last year.

He pleaded guilty to six-counts of first-degree murder and six counts of attempted murder.

(Reporting by Suman Das)