What to know
- Toronto police say the hate crimes unit is investigating after a Muslim woman was allegedly assaulted on a bus on April 13 around 3:30 p.m.
- Video released by the National Council of Canadian Muslims shows a man verbally attacking the woman before allegedly kicking her, prompting bystander intervention.
- The NCCM has condemned the incident, calling it evidence of rising Islamophobia and urging government action while confirming it is supporting the victim.
- Local MPPs have also spoken out, calling the alleged attack hateful and saying Islamophobia has no place in Ontario communities.
Toronto Police Service (TPS) say the hate crimes unit is investigating after a Muslim woman was allegedly assaulted on a bus, with the incident captured on video.
Police say the incident occurred on April 13 at around 3:30 p.m. Video of the incident, released by the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and now circulating on social media, shows a man screaming at a woman wearing a hijab on a Durham Region Transit bus travelling between Scarborough and Ajax.
“This f**king [terrorist], what the f**k you looking at me?” the man said.
As the man moves past the woman and toward the front of the bus, he can be seen kicking her.
Passengers quickly intervene.
“Hey you don’t get to hit girls because we’re Muslim,” a woman can be heard screaming. “F**k you, go to hell.”
Toronto police say the hate crimes unit is now investigating and a report has been filed.
Organizations and politicians react to the brazen hate crime
In a statement, the NCCM said it is outraged by the incident.
“Violent Islamophobia continues to be on the rise. The fact that it constantly occurs in broad daylight in public spaces should send alarms to all levels of government, given Canada’s dark history with violent Islamophobia,” the statement said. “We cannot afford to wait until an incident like this turns to murder yet again.”
The NCCM is calling on all levels of government to condemn the violent incident and take action. The council says it is in contact with the victim and local authorities.
Local politicians have also spoken out. Liberal MPP for Ajax Rob Cerjanec posted a statement on X condemning the assault.
“This was a hateful act, and it is completely unacceptable,” he said. “Islamophobia has no place in Durham Region or anywhere in Ontario. No one should fear for their safety simply for wearing a hijab or expressing their faith publicly.”
Liberal MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood Andrea Hazell also said she is deeply outraged.
“I believe that humanity must always come first. We are stronger together as a community, and we cannot tolerate hate in any form,” she said.
