Suspicious photo released after a Muslim woman allegedly threatened TTC with a knife in an alleged hate crime

Toronto police have released a photo of a suspect in connection with an alleged hate crime who saw a Muslim woman allegedly threatened with a knife on a TTC subway train.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of March 9.

Toronto police said a woman was aboard a southbound subway train when an unknown man approached her and then spoke to her.

At some point, the man “became agitated,” police said, and allegedly pulled out a knife, causing the woman to get up and run from the train at the Wilson station.

“As soon as he showed her the knife and he showed her this knife, she feared for her safety and immediately fled on foot from the subway car,” Const said. Laura Brabante said.

In a Wednesday news release, police said investigators believe the victim was targeted because of her Muslim faith.

“It is absolutely horrendous. There is no place for Islamophobia or hatred in this city,” Brabant said.

Police confirmed on Wednesday that they are investigating the incident as a suspected hate crime after consulting with the specialized hate crimes unit.

“We take this very seriously,” Brabant said.

“This woman had no physical injuries, but the psychological trauma of someone facing this situation is immeasurable,” he added.

In addition to the suspect’s photo, police have also released a description in an effort to identify and locate him.

Believed to be between 50 and 60 years old, slim with a long white beard. Police said he was last seen wearing layered clothing, including a black hoodie, a dark baseball cap, a black leather jacket, green military-style pants and a green backpack.

“He is believed to be armed and dangerous,” police said, advising those who find him to call 911 immediately.

On Monday, the National Council of Canadian Muslims issued a statement calling the police to investigate the incident as a hate crime.

The NCCM said the victim was wearing a hijab at the time, and the suspect “asked various questions about Muslims and Islam, asked her hypothetical questions about what she would do if someone hit her head and got away with it.”

The suspect also allegedly told the woman, “you know what we do with people like you,” before pulling a knife from his backpack.

“I never thought that something like this could happen on public transport in front of all these people. The moment I saw him pull the knife out of him, I ran and ran until I was out of breath and a stranger helped me,” the quote reads. from the anonymous victim included in the NCCM statement.

“I have never been so afraid in my life.”

Nadia Hassan, NCCM’s director of operations, called the attack “blatant.”

“This is not the first time we have seen an Islamophobic attack on a hijab-wearing Muslim woman on public transportation. There is a problem in this country where spaces that most Canadians take for granted are simply not safe for women and Muslim people”. color,” Hassan said in the statement.

“The recent wave of attacks on the TTC is alarming. It’s time for change.”

Police ask anyone with information to contact investigators at 416-808-3200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or www.222tips.com.


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