Latest news with #hatecrime
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Police release video of suspect wanted in hate-motivated assault in Toronto's west end
Police say the man in the photo allegedly assaulted a cyclist and yelled racist slurs at him. (Toronto Police handout) Toronto police have released a video of a suspect who allegedly assaulted a man and yelled racist slurs at him in the city's Junction Triangle neighbourhood last month. Police said they got a call for an assault near Bloor Street West and Symington Avenue at 4 a.m. on June 27. A man was riding his bicycle when another man allegedly pushed him off and caused him to fall to the ground. Police allege the suspect then assaulted the victim while hurling anti-Black slurs. The suspect also allegedly threatened the victim before taking his bicycle. The interaction was caught on a surveillance camera, which police released on Wednesday. It shows the cyclist and the suspect arguing in the bike lane. The suspect then picks up the bike, making a throwing motion at the cyclist, before putting it down. Police said the victim went to a hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. In addition to the video, investigators also released a photo of the suspect, who is described as a light-skinned male, 20 to 30 years old, five-foot-eight, and was last seen wearing a black backwards baseball cap, white shirt, dark pants, and white shoes. Suspect Police say the man in the photo is wanted in a hate-motivated assault investigation. (Toronto police handout) Police said they are investigating the assault as a hate-motivated incident. Anyone with information about the suspect's identity and whereabouts is asked to contact investigators at 416-808-3500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Fox News
a day ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Stefanik shreds CUNY chancellor on antisemitism response, faculty ties to Mahmoud Khalil
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., shredded the City University of New York (CUNY) chancellor over the institution's response to antisemitism and faculty ties to Mahmoud Khalil. During a House Education and the Workforce Committee hearing, Stefanik demanded to know why students were forced to walk under graffiti of a massive swastika for hours while entering the main Hunter College building. While CUNY Chancellor Dr. Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said he believes the symbol is "deplorable," he claimed the delay in leaving it up was because the matter was referred to the New York City Police Department's hate crime unit for investigation. Stefanik lamented that there was a university investigation, but "no actual action" taken against the CUNY administrator who had responded to the Hunter College director of Jewish studies' request that the swastika be removed. The administrator, who Stefanik did not name, wrote in an email, "Apologies, but it is not that simple," according to a screenshot of the email displayed during the hearing. Stefanik further hammered Rodriguez on whether he was aware that Saly Abd Alla, who is CUNY's chief diversity officer, was previously employed by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Rodriguez said he was not involved with Abd Alla's hiring decision but admitted that she remained employed by CUNY at the time of the hearing. "Is it OK from your perspective? Obviously it is to have a former employee of CAIR. Let me remind you, CAIR was a co-conspirator in a terrorist financing case and has ties to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization," Stefanik said. "So no action, just words here today," the congresswoman said, adding that Abd Alla's salary is paid by New York taxpayers. "We have the expectations of total professionalism and compliance with all the rules and policies of CUNY. Any employee that breaks our policies or our rules will be investigated," Rodriguez said. Stefanik responded: "But it obviously doesn't break CUNY's rules to have a senior employee who was previously employed by a terrorist-affiliated organization. That is unacceptable to New York taxpayers. It is unacceptable to American taxpayers." The congresswoman also pressed Rodriguez on whether he was familiar with CUNY Clear, which she described as the "clinical arm of the CUNY School of Law." "The CUNY Clear founder and professor is the head of Mahmoud Khalil's legal defense fund. Are you aware of that?" she asked, referring to the anti-Israel activist at Columbia University. Rodriguez testified that he was not aware. Though Stefanik did not mention a name, she appeared to be referencing Professor Ramzi Kassem, the founder of the CUNY Clear, or "Creating Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility." Kassem is handling Khalil's defense efforts. Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student who led the anti-Israel encampment on that school's campus, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March. The Trump administration cited a rare provision arguing his activism was harmful to U.S. foreign policy. He spent more than 100 days at an ICE facility in Louisiana before a federal judge granted his release amid ongoing deportation hearings. Khalil is seeking $20 million from the Trump administration over his detention. "Does it concern you that New York taxpayers are paying the salary for the legal defense fund of Mahmoud Khalil?" Stefanik asked. "And I'll remind you who Mahmoud Khalil is. This is the chief pro-Hamas agitator that led to the antisemitic encampments at Columbia, the rioting and violent takeover of Hamilton Hall, the harassment and physical assault of Jewish students." Rodriguez said the university does not condone any kind of antisemitism, but Stefanik interjected: "But you allow the head of the clinical legal organization and a professor to be the chief legal aid to Mahmoud Khalil and do his legal defense fund." "Those decisions are made in the clinics, are made in the individual campuses," Rodriguez said. The congresswoman retorted, "It goes up to you. You are the chancellor." While Rodriguez said antisemitism wouldn't be tolerated and promised an investigation, he declined to answer whether the faculty member handling Khalil's defense would be fired from CUNY. "Let me make a prediction. No disciplinary action. This individual is not going to be fired because it's all words. No action. You have failed the people of New York. You have failed Jewish students in New York state. And it is a disgrace," Stefanik said.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Row as memorial bench for murdered goth Sophie Lancaster is removed by council to make way for fairground ride - without informing her family
A row has broken out after a memorial bench for murdered Goth Sophie Lancaster was removed by council bosses to make way for a fairground big wheel. The Sophie Lancaster Foundation said members are 'horrified' by the decision to place bench in Whitby into storage without any consultation by North Yorkshire Council. The council pledged to dismantle the wheel by August 7 - but Goths are concerned this is very close to the dates that 20-year-old Sophie was attacked and died in a coma in August 2007. A service of rededication is planned for the memorial bench after its removal was branded as 'sacrilege'. The memorial on Whitby's West Cliff honours Sophie, who was killed by two teenagers in Bacup, Lancashire. Sophie died 13 days after she was attacked in a park while trying to protect her boyfriend Robert Maltby, 21, from attack by the teenagers. The bench was unveiled in 2008 as 'a special place of remembrance' in Whitby, which is steeped in alternative culture, including festivals such as the Goth Weekend, which Sophie had visited. The Sophie Lancaster Foundation said: 'We've been contacted by many of you in the last 24 hours, horrified by the removal of Sophie's bench in Whitby. The alternative community raised £3,000 for the bench in 2008 and since then, it's been a special place of remembrance. 'It was the goth community in Whitby who first campaigned for Sophie's murder to be seen as a hate crime. For Sylvia, the bench was a tangible connection to Sophie and the huge love and support she received from the alternative community in Whitby. 'It was a shock to learn that the bench has been removed to locate a giant sightseeing wheel by North Yorkshire Council. 'Unfortunately, we weren't informed or consulted about this decision - which makes the news even more difficult for us and no doubt for the many thousands of you who visit the bench to reflect and remember Sophie.' North Yorkshire Council argued the big wheel was 'intended as a respectful, exciting addition to the town' and the memorial would be restored to its original location in August. Environmental Services Director Karl Battersby said: 'We appreciate that Sophie's bench is much loved and an important place for so many people to come to remember her. The bench is safe and being carefully looked after for a few weeks so it wasn't damaged when the observation wheel was put in place. 'As soon as the wheel is gone Sophie's bench will be carefully replaced. We are sorry for any worry this caused.' The Foundation added: 'It is unfortunate that we were not consulted, especially given the nature and the significance of the bench but we are grateful to know that it will be reinstated. The wheel will be there for 28 days, so we are hopeful it will be back in situ as soon as possible after that. 'This has all been a bit of a shock, but as often with these things, we are counting our blessings. We can't tell you what it means to have your love and support and to know that so many of you are reaching out to us to show how much you care. 'This space has meant so much, to so many of us. We think when it is back, it will feel even more special as we all know just how important it is. Thank you for your continued kindness and support.' The council told the Foundation the wheel will be dismantled by August 7. But Foundation members say the tribute should never have been moved in the first place. Yvonne Grant commented: 'Whitby's West Cliff is just not the same without Sophie's Bench. It's Whitby Steampunk Weekend from 25 -27 July, and it will be a shame the bench won't be there, as I know people like to leave tributes during the weekend.' Dani Seddon added: 'That's all a bit close to some big anniversaries for her friends and family. I hope it's done with as much dignity as possible.' Other comments called the removal 'sacrilege' and called for an investigation, claiming the move showed 'disrespect for ALL the bereaved families and friends'. Whitby Mayor Sandra Turner said: 'We have raised this with North Yorkshire Council, they have apologised for the serious oversight and assured us it will not happen again.' She added that it had been a 'serious hiccup' in the relationship between the local authorities. North Yorkshire councillor Mark Crane said the wheel had been put up as part of a wider tourism strategy. 'The location of the wheel in Whitby was chosen to provide stunning views across the harbour and towards the town's famous abbey,' he said. The Foundation is planning a service to rededicate the bench on November 1 during the Tomorrow's Ghost festival in Whitby.
BBC News
a day ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Graffiti painted onto NIHE van being treated as racist hate crime
Police are treating graffiti on what is believed to be a Northern Ireland Housing Executive van as a racially-motivated hate van was targeted in the Bearnagh Drive area of west Belfast on Monday at some point between 00:00 BST and 08: lord mayor of Belfast Paul Doherty, who is a councillor from the area, condemned the graffiti calling it "disgraceful" and said it "has no place in our society".The police said enquiries are ongoing and they have appealed for witnesses. 'Disgusting xenophobic slurs' Doherty said: "This vile act does not reflect the people of this community. A community built on respect, diversity and solidarity. No family should have to walk past that kind of hatred - but sadly many have, and it has deeply impacted them.""Those responsible should be ashamed. We stand united against racism in all its forms," he MP for the area, Paul Maskey, described the graffiti as "disgusting xenophobic slurs, designed to spread fear and hatred"."Those involved do not speak for the vast majority of west Belfast. Andersonstown is a welcoming community — one which I am proud to be part of and represent."Our resolve is steadfast. Racism will not win."The graffiti displays the letters News NI understands that this stands for Republicans Against Antifa who have been previously described as a "fringe fascist group" by the west Belfast assembly member Gerry Carroll after threatening graffiti appeared about him in March graffiti also includes a word which is derogatory to those who are not McCrum from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: "There is no place in our society for this type of intimidating behaviour and we will continue to engage with local representatives and partner agencies around community safety."
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
Colorado prosecutors to lay out evidence in firebomb attack on demonstration for Israeli hostages
DENVER (AP) — Colorado prosecutors are set to lay out their evidence Tuesday against a man charged with murder, attempted murder and other crimes in a firebomb attack on demonstrators showing their support for Israeli hostages in Gaza. Investigators say Mohamed Sabry Soliman told them he intended to kill the roughly 20 participants at the weekly demonstration on Boulder's Pearl Street pedestrian mall on June 1. But he threw just two of more than two dozen Molotov cocktails he had with him while yelling, 'Free Palestine!' Police said he told them he got scared because he had never hurt anyone before. Federal authorities say Soliman, an Egyptian national, had been living in the U.S. illegally with his family. The purpose of Tuesday's preliminary hearing in state court in Boulder is for District Judge Nancy Woodruff Salomone to determine if there's enough evidence for Soliman to go on trial there. Soliman already faced dozens of charges in state court as well as hate crime charges in federal court when state prosecutors added murder charges following the death of an 82-year-old woman who was injured in the attack died as the result of her injuries. Karen Diamond helped at her synagogue and volunteered for several local groups, including the University of Colorado University Women's Club and a local music festival. Last week, Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Cramer-Babycz told U.S. District Judge John L. Kane that federal prosecutors have not decided yet whether to file additional charges against Soliman related to Diamond's death. Federal prosecutors allege the victims were targeted because of their perceived or actual connection to Israel. But Soliman's federal defense lawyers say he should not have been charged with hate crimes because the evidence shows he was motivated by opposition to Zionism, the political movement to establish and sustain a Jewish state in Israel. An attack motivated by someone's political views is not considered a hate crime under federal law. Soliman has pleaded not guilty to the hate crime charges. He has not been asked to enter a plea to the state charges yet. State prosecutors have identified 29 people who are considered victims of the attack, including 13 who were physically injured. The others were nearby and are considered victims because they could have been hurt. A dog was also injured in the attack, so Soliman has also been charged with animal cruelty. Tuesday's hearing was set to move ahead over the objections of Soliman's state public defenders, who asked to delay it after Diamond died and Soliman was charged with murder. In a court filing last week, they said they were not aware of an autopsy report being done for Diamond yet and asked to delay the hearing until October so they would be be able to review 'significant medical records' in advance.
