6 days ago
Police investigating 'hate-motivated' assault on Muslim woman in Kanata
A Muslim woman was assaulted and threatened in a "hate-motivated incident" on an OC Transpo bus in Kanata Monday afternoon, in a situation which has drawn the attention of Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The suspect is a thin white man with a beard who left the bus in Kanata, Ottawa Police Service said in a Monday evening release that shared few details about the incident. OPS are seeking witnesses.
Aisha Sherazi, a leader in the local Muslim community, said people are afraid, angry, and have many questions.
"He allegedly used Islamophobic slurs and threatened her life," she said. "As a female as well, this touches a nerve for all of us. And so I hope the police are able to find him. I hope the community cooperates fully with them."
OPS wrote they are "working closely with the victim and leaders in the Muslim community."
The Kanata Muslim Association posted a "safety alert" about the assault on Facebook.
"Visible minorities, especially women wearing hijab, please stay alert on public transit in the Kanata area," the association wrote. "If you experience or witness harassment or assault, report it to police immediately."
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe publicly condemned the assault Tuesday afternoon in a social media post.
"We must all stand together against Islamophobia and hatred in all its forms," he wrote. "Everyone should feel safe while travelling on public transit or anywhere else in Ottawa."
Later the same evening, Prime Minister Carney wrote online that the reported threats and slurs were "reprehensible," adding that "the perpetrator must be held accountable."
Kanata MP Jenna Sudds wrote on Instagram that she had spoken with the victim's family to offer support.
"Moments like these remind us of the power of unity and the urgent need to speak up, contact the police, and alert OC Transpo when witnessing an attack," she wrote. "Our collective voice is essential to protect those targeted and to stand firmly against hatred."
