Ontario : The National Council of Canadian Muslims appalled by Islamophobic attack
At a press conference held after the incident, NCCM Chief Operating Officer Omar Khamissa stressed the urgent need to «act and move from words to action». «Our elected officials must acknowledge what is happening in this country and develop a real plan with real solutions», he said, as quoted by Radio-Canada.
According to police, the woman was the victim of a violent group assault early in the morning. Authorities said the individuals involved were already acting disruptively in the restaurant, describing how one of them «jumped over the counter, where the woman tried to block his path».
During the ensuing «violent struggle», «several other individuals also jumped over the counter and attacked the victim». The NCCM alleges that the attackers removed the woman's hijab—a detail not confirmed by police.
Speaking to Radio-Canada, the victim's daughter said her mother is «shaken» by the attack, which has left her «deeply affected and on edge». She added, «Our family has noticed a rise in Islamophobic attitudes and behaviors among the restaurant's customers». According to her, «this is not the first time a crime has been committed in the restaurant».
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