MONTREAL — The founder of a Muslim group says it’s important to condemn both terrorism and Islamophobia in the wake of violent overnight attacks in Edmonton.

Imam Syed Soharwardy spoke out in Montreal today to denounce what he calls a terrorist act.

He says an anti-Muslim backlash is already beginning, less than a day after an attack that saw a police officer stabbed and several pedestrians run down with a van.

While little is known about the suspect, Soharwardy says he’s troubled that an Islamic State flag was found in the car used in the attack.

He’s calling on Muslim leaders across Canada to do more to root out intolerance and extremism in their communities.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims has also released a statement condemning the Edmonton attacks.