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.
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.