Hamilton police arrested a 40-year-old man Tuesday. He is being investigated for a heinous crime targeting a Muslim mother and her daughter.
They are also said to be victims of racist insults and death threats.
Police said the two women were walking in a parking lot in the Angoster Meadowlands area around 9:30 a.m. Monday. A vehicle came out of a parking lot and hit one of them.
Police said the driver made threats against the mother and daughter while using racist slurs targeting the Muslim community.
The mother, 62, and daughter, 26, ran across the street and hid behind bushes, a police report read. Police say the man searched for them and made death threats when he saw them.
One of the women ran screaming for help, police said, and passers-by intervened. The man is said to have fled in a car.
Local police spokesman Indy Baraj said the service was working to link the victim support sources with the mother and daughter.
Deep turmoil
The Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau commented on the matter on Twitter on Tuesday evening.
I am deeply saddened by the news of the Islamic attack on Muslim women. [lundi], In Hamilton. I strongly condemn these acts of violence, atrocities and atrocities that have no place in our communities. We will continue to show solidarity
, Mr. Read on for Trudeau’s Twitter book?
In a statement, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (CNMC) said it regretted the incident. It is mentioned that both the women were wearing hijab.
In addition, the council shared a statement from both victims. We were shocked after the attack on our family, but were not broken. Let it be clear: this person tried to intimidate our family
, Read in the announcement?
In light of the London attacks, this is incredibly terrifying for our family. Enough is enough. The government must promise to take strong action. Our family may have been seriously injured and these incidents cannot be allowed to continue.
The federal government has already confirmed that an emergency national summit on Islamic phobia will be held on July 22.
The man faces many charges
The defendant in the Hamilton incident faces charges of assault with a weapon, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, death threats and violation of his probation rules.
Police spokeswoman Christa-Lee Ernst said no further details would be released at this time.
Police are still investigating whether surveillance videos of the parking lot are available. Mr. Baraj said to the best of his knowledge there were no passengers in the vehicle with the driver.
Police are presenting witnesses to contact Michael Hall of the Criminal Investigation Branch at 905-546-3851.
People can also provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Hate crimes in the community can be reported online, by calling 905-546-4925 or by visiting any Hamilton police station.
With information from the CBC News
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