Police are investigating what they describe as a possible hate crime in New Westminster, B.C., in which a woman wearing a hijab was spat on.
It happened around 10 a.m. on Sunday, when police responded to a reported assault at a fast food restaurant on 6th Street near 5th Avenue.
Police arrived to learn a woman had allegedly spat on an employee.
“Based on the initial investigation, this matter is being investigated as a possible hate crime given the victim was wearing a hijab and based on comments the suspect made towards the victim,” police said in a Thursday media release.
Police have notified the Provincial Hate Crimes Unit, and are asking for witnesses to come forward.
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Leaders in the Muslim community say they’re saddened by the incident.
“When I say that Islamophobia is on the rise, that this is the proof in the pudding that a woman cannot have herself a meal at McDonald’s or go shopping,” said Sohrab Ali, director of the Canadian Islamic Society.
“Anti-Muslim violence disproportionately affects racialized women here in Canada,” added Yusuf Siraj, with the Foundation for a Path Forward.
“There is a gendered element to Islamophobia.”
The suspect is described as about 55 years old, with dark brown shoulder-length hair. She was wearing a black and white top and had a shopping cart with her.
Anyone with information is asked to contact New Westminster police at 604-525-5411.
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