Toronto Woman Charged in Islamophobic Assault Targeting Hijab-Wearing Victim
Toronto police have arrested Roxanne Ingram, 52, following an incident that occurred on July 10 in North York, near Finch Avenue West and Weston Road. According to investigators, the woman allegedly approached another woman wearing a hijab, directed Islamophobic remarks at her, and then physically assaulted her, City News reported on Monday.
Ingram has been charged with assault and breach of probation. She appeared in court on July 11. Authorities confirmed that the case is being investigated as a suspected hate-motivated offence.
Police urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact investigators.
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The incident comes amid growing concerns over Islamophobia in Canada. A report released in June 2024 by Statistics Canada highlighted a 27% increase in police-reported hate crimes targeting Muslims in 2023 compared to the previous year. The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) has also warned of a troubling rise in verbal harassment and assaults against visibly Muslim individuals, particularly women wearing hijabs.
In 2021, the Canadian government declared January 29 the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, reflecting a broader effort to address anti-Muslim violence and bias in public life.
Source: Agencies
