A muslim woman is speaking out after being assaulted and nearly set on fire in an unprovoked attack at a public library in Ajax over the weekend.
In a news release, police say the attack happened on the afternoon of Mar. 22. Police say the woman was studying when she was approached by an unknown female who began yelling “profanities” at her.
Police then say the attacker began throwing objects at her head, before attempting to remove the victim’s hijab, while pouring unknown liquid on it and in an attempt to light it on fire with a lighter.
According to police, the victim screamed for help while the suspect ran away on foot but was arrested several hours later.
Police confirmed in a media release that 25-year-old Kaley-Ann Freier has been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon and three counts of failing to comply with a probation order.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) released a statement on Sunday condemning the attack, and demanding that police investigate it as a hate crime.
The NCCM held a press conference at the library on Monday, where a statement from the victim was read to the media by NCCM Communications Coordinator Fatema Abdalla.
“I never imagined that a visit to my favourite, quiet corner of the library would turn into the most terrifying moments of my life,” the statement read.
The victim then went on to describe the attack, and said initially she did not realize that her attacker’s words were being directed at her, until objects such as scissors were being thrown at her. The victim then said the situation escalated when her hijab was pulled and “soaked” with the liquid.
“She pulled out a lighter, and tried to set me on fire…I was paralyzed with shock, then overwhelmed with terror,” the statement said.
The victim says she hasn’t been able to sleep since that day, and went on to describe the fear that she now has for her daughters who all wear hijabs.
“I’m deeply worried that if something similar were to happen again, they could become targets for hate and violence,” she said.
The crime has also sparked outrage from Canadian politicians who took to social media to share their frustrations.
“This type of violence is not an isolated incident. Islamophobia is real, it is dangerous, and it must stop,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a tweet posted to X.
This type of violence is not an isolated incident. Islamophobia is real, it is dangerous, and it must stop.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 24, 2025
I offer my support and prayers to the victim of this terrible act and am relieved that the police acted quickly and made an arrest. pic.twitter.com/uHM3Ug59rc
Mayor of Ajax, Shaun Collier, released a joint statement with the Library Board Chair, Piyali Correya, calling the attack islamophobic.
“To the victim of this terrible act and anyone triggered, hurt, or disheartened by this attack – especially as it occurred during Ramadan, a month of peace and spiritual connection – we are here to support you and to stand up against all forms of hate and intolerance,” the statement said.
A statement from myself and Library Board Chair regarding an act of violence at the @ajax_library.
— Shaun Collier (@mayor_collier) March 23, 2025
Read the full statement: https://t.co/hzfv6L3TAU pic.twitter.com/fCHttYxj60
Police have not released any victim information, and say the investigation is ongoing.
