Muslim Woman in Ajax Nearly Lit on Fire in Unprovoked Attack

We are outraged to learn of this unprovoked attack on a Muslim woman, which took place at the Ajax Library on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

According to the Durham Regional Police, the woman was studying in the library when she was approached by an unknown female who began shouting profanities and throwing objects at her. The attacker then attempted to remove the victim’s hijab, poured an unknown liquid on it, and tried to set it on fire using a lighter.

The victim screamed for help, at which point security intervened. The attacker fled the scene but was arrested a few hours later and charged with assault with a weapon.

“We are closely monitoring this case and strongly urge authorities to investigate this assault as a hate crime,” said [National Council of Canadian Muslims] NCCM CEO Stephen Brown.

“It is an outrage that this kind of violence has become a regular occurrence in our community. Incidents of Islamophobia have increased exponentially in recent years. It is time for our elected leaders to step up and address this issue collaboratively.” We are in touch with Durham Regional Police.