Canada Police Searching for Suspects in Swarming Attack on Muslim Woman
Authorities say the incident took place shortly after midnight on Wednesday at a Pizza Pizza restaurant in Oshawa. According to Durham Regional Police, a group of youths caused a disturbance inside the store, with one individual reportedly jumping behind the counter to take an item. When the owner of the restaurant, a Muslim woman, attempted to intervene, she was physically attacked by others in the group.
Police say the woman was swarmed, kicked repeatedly, and had her hijab forcibly removed during the assault.
The suspects, described as three girls between the ages of 11 and 15 and two boys whose ages have not been confirmed, fled the scene, CBC News reported on Saturday.
Surveillance footage capturing the incident has been reviewed, and investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward.
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The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) has condemned the assault and is calling on police to classify the attack as a hate-motivated crime.
In a statement, the council said it was “utterly appalled and disgusted” by the incident and noted that the victim had her head stomped on during the altercation. A blurred video of the attack, published by advocacy groups, shows a chaotic scene involving multiple assailants.
Durham police say they are considering all potential motives and have involved both the Hate Crime Unit and the Equity and Inclusion Unit in the investigation.
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This assault comes amid a broader national conversation on rising Islamophobia in Canada. In March, a similar attack took place at a public library in Ajax, also involving a Muslim woman. The NCCM says such incidents reflect a disturbing pattern.
“Islamophobic attacks have spiked across the country in the past two years… our leaders must take action to address this wave of hate,” the council said.
No arrests had been made as of Saturday.
Source: Agencies
