Man, 79, Faces Charges After Assault on Two Muslim Women in Ontario

IQNA – A 79-year-old man accused of assaulting two Muslim women in west London made a brief appearance in court on Tuesday.

James Henkel is facing six charges, including assault with a weapon, assault, and mischief. His next court date is set for mid-December, CTV News reported on Wednesday.

The incident took place in late September near Berkshire Drive and Berkshire Place.

Police report that a man directed derogatory comments at a woman wearing a hijab. When another woman intervened to assist, both women were allegedly assaulted.

Authorities say that when a third person attempted to step in, the suspect pulled out a knife before fleeing the scene on foot.

The case has drawn attention to safety concerns in the area, particularly amid a rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes in the country.

Source: Agencies