Hijabi Muslim Woman Assaulted on Ottawa Bus in Hate-Motivated Attack
The incident happened Monday afternoon near March Road and Teron Road, when OC Transpo special constables and Ottawa police were called to a bus following reports of an attack, CTV News reported on Tuesday.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said the assailant used Islamophobic slurs and threats during the assault, calling it “reprehensible and unprovoked.”
“I strongly condemn this act of violence and hatred; it has no place in our community. Everyone should feel safe while travelling on public transit or anywhere else in Ottawa,” he said in a statement.
According to a safety alert from the Kanata Muslim Association, the victim was on a bus to the Morgan’s Grant area when a man boarded, whispered an anti-Muslim slur, and slapped her.
He allegedly threatened to slam her head into the window and kill her before leaving the bus at Penfield Drive. The group said another passenger reported the same man had previously targeted women wearing hijab.
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The association urged visible minorities—particularly hijabi women—to remain vigilant on public transit in Kanata and to report any harassment or assaults to police. It has already contacted authorities about the case.
Ottawa Police confirmed they are investigating the assault on a woman in her late teens. The Hate and Bias Crime Unit has taken over the case and is working with the victim and Muslim community leaders. Police described the suspect as a White man in his 20s or 30s, about 5'8", with a thin build and beard, and said he was not known to the victim.
In a statement, police stressed their zero tolerance for hate or bias, pledging to hold those responsible accountable.
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Meanwhile, Sutcliffe said he has spoken with the victim’s family and local Muslim leaders, urging unity against Islamophobia and any form of hatred.
The attack has fueled concern among community members about growing hostility toward Muslims in Canada, particularly those whose faith is visibly expressed through hijab or other attire.
OC Transpo reminded riders that anyone feeling unsafe should approach staff, use yellow emergency phones, or call the emergency line. Police are asking witnesses or anyone with information, photos, or video to contact their Hate and Bias Crime Unit.
Source: Agencies
