Ajax, Ontario, municipal officials express horror over a recent attack on a hijab-wearing woman at the local public library. The Durham Regional Police responded to the incident, which took place at the main branch of the Ajax Public Library on a Saturday afternoon.
According to police reports, the victim, a 25-year-old woman, was studying in the library when she was verbally assaulted and physically attacked by an unknown woman. The assailant reportedly threw objects at the victim, yelled profanities, and attempted to remove her hijab while pouring an unknown liquid on it. The situation escalated when the suspect tried to set the hijab on fire with a lighter, prompting the victim to call for help and draw the attention of security.
In response to the incident, a statement from Mayor Shaun Collier and library board chair Piyali Correya was released on the Town of Ajax website, denouncing the attack as motivated by Islamophobia. The statement offered support to the victim and condemned all forms of hate and intolerance, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended a few hours later by the authorities. She has been charged with assault with a weapon and failing to comply with a probation order. The National Council of Canadian Muslims has called for the incident to be investigated as a hate crime, citing a concerning rise in Islamophobic attacks across the country.
Local officials, including Ajax MPP Rob Cerjanec, have condemned the attack and are working to address the heightened fears within the Muslim community. Calls for increased police presence around mosques have been made to ensure the safety of worshippers, particularly as Ramadan approaches its conclusion.
The incident has sparked outrage and solidarity from various leaders and public figures beyond southern Ontario, emphasizing the need to combat Islamophobia and promote inclusivity in Canadian communities. The town of Ajax reaffirms its commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all residents, pledging to take a firm stand against acts of hate and violence.