Hate-Motivated assault on Ottawa Muslim teen sparks outcry

On the afternoon of August 11, 2025, a disturbing hate-motivated assault occurred on an OC Transpo bus in Kanata, where a hijabi Muslim woman in her late teens was targeted. 

According to the Ottawa Police Service’s Hate and Bias Crime Unit, a white, English-speaking male in his 20s to 30s—approximately 5’8″, thin build, with a beard—approached and assaulted the victim before exiting the bus in Kanata. The suspect is not known to the victim.

The OPS is treating the incident seriously and has launched an ongoing investigation. 

The Hate and Bias Crime Unit urges anyone who witnessed the assault or has photos, videos, or relevant information to come forward. 

Tips can be submitted to 613-236-1222 ext. 5015, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.(ottawapolice.ca)

The assault has drawn strong condemnation from Canada's leadership. Prime Minister Mark Carney denounced the attack as “reprehensible,” emphasizing that hate has no place in Canadian society.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe also condemned the incident, describing it as “unprovoked” and emphasizing that Ottawa must remain a safe and inclusive city for all residents. 

Canada continues to grapple with Islamophobic attacks. 

According to the OPS 2023 Annual Report, there were 116 hate-motivated incidents—21 of which targeted Muslims—marking a 19.5% increase over 2022.(ottawapolice.ca) 

Similarly, in 2024, there were 18 hate-motivated incidents against Muslims out of 116 total reported cases.(ottawapolice.ca).

These figures highlight a concerning trend in anti-Muslim violence in the region.

This brazen attack serves as a grim reminder of the persistent presence of hate in public spaces. 

Swift police efforts, combined with public cooperation, are vital to ensuring justice and community safety. 

Authorities remain firm in their commitment: hate has no place in Ottawa—or anywhere in Canada.