Suspect Arrested in Unprovoked Attack on Muslim Woman in Ajax

A 25-year-old woman from Ajax, Ontario, has been charged following an unprovoked attack on a Muslim woman at the Ajax Public Library. The suspect, identified as Kaley-Ann Freier, faces two counts of assault with a weapon and three counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

According to Durham Regional Police, the victim was studying at the library when Freier approached her, yelled profanities, and threw objects at her head. Freier then attempted to remove the victim’s hijab, poured an unknown liquid on it, and tried to set it on fire with a lighter. Library security intervened upon hearing the victim’s screams, preventing further harm. Freier fled the scene but was apprehended hours later without incident.

Authorities are consulting with the Crown Attorney’s office to determine if the evidence meets the legal threshold for hate to be considered a factor in this case. The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) has condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address the rising incidents of Islamophobia in Canada.

The victim expressed her distress in a statement, noting that the incident has shaken her confidence in the safety of community spaces and has caused her sleepless nights. She recounted that while studying, she was confronted by Freier, who muttered profanities, threw objects, and then escalated to attempting to remove her hijab and set it on fire. The victim highlighted her fear for her own safety and that of her daughters, who also wear hijabs.

This incident has sparked reactions from political leaders. Liberal Leader Mark Carney stated, “Islamophobia is real, it is dangerous, and it must stop.” NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh emphasized that such hate-motivated attacks are a stain on Canadian values. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized current bail policies, advocating for stricter measures to keep offenders detained.

The NCCM is calling on all political parties to present detailed plans to combat Islamophobia and hate, especially in light of the upcoming federal election. They stress that addressing these issues is critical to ensuring the safety and inclusivity of all communities in Canada.

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