A suspect has been taken into custody following an attack on a Muslim woman at a public library near Toronto. Durham Regional Police reported that the victim was studying when an unknown woman approached, yelled profanities, and threw objects at her.
The suspect then attempted to remove the victim’s hijab, poured an unknown liquid on it, and tried to set it on fire using a lighter. Library security intervened after the victim screamed for help, and the suspect fled but was arrested hours later.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) condemned the attack, calling for stronger action against Islamophobia. Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier and library board chair Piyali Correya expressed solidarity with the victim, emphasizing the need to combat hate and intolerance, especially during Ramadan. The NCCM has urged police to investigate the incident as a hate crime.
