A suspect is in custody a day after a Muslim woman was attacked in a public library near the Canadian city of Toronto, where the assailant attempted to set the survivor’s hijab on fire, according to a police statement on Sunday.
Kaley-Ann Freier, 25, of Ajax, was arrested and charged with two counts of assault with a weapon and three counts of failing to comply with a probation order.
She was held for a bail hearing.
While the Muslim woman was studying in the Ajax library at 55 Harwood Avenue, Ontario, an unknown female approached, yelled profanities, and threw objects at her head.
The suspect then tried to remove her hijab, while pouring an unknown liquid on it.
The suspect then grabbed a lighter and attempted to light the hijab on fire.
The Muslim woman screamed for help, prompting security to intervene, while the suspect fled the library but was located by officers a few hours later and taken into custody without incident.
“I never imagined that a visit to my favorite, quiet corner of the library would turn into one of the most terrifying moments of my life,” the Muslim woman’s statement was read aloud by National Council of Canadian Muslims senior advocacy officer Fatema Abdalla at a news conference on Monday.
“I always assume the best in people, and never thought someone would wish harm upon me – especially when I was just sitting there, minding my own business,” she said.
She expressed, “I can’t stop thinking, ‘What if the lighter had worked? What if my hijab had caught on fire?’ The least of the damage would have been permanent burns on my face. What if the scissors and the metal object she threw at me had struck my neck instead of missing? I can’t stop replaying those possibilities in my mind.”
“This investigation remains ongoing. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, investigators are required to consult with the Crown Attorney’s office to determine whether the evidence meets the legal threshold for hate to be considered a factor,” said Durham Regional Police.
New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney took to X stating “This type of violence is not an isolated incident. Islamophobia is real, it is dangerous, and it must stop. I offer my support and prayers to the victim of this terrible act and am relieved that the police acted quickly and made an arrest.”
The Muslim Advisory Council of Canada, while welcoming the Prime Minister’s statement, highlighted that “Canada’s foreign policies, particularly in relation to Palestine, have contributed to the rise of Islamophobia.”
The organization called the assault “a brazen act of Islamophobia and gendered violence.”
“This was not random. This was a targeted attack meant to terrorize. We are deeply disturbed and stand in solidarity with the survivor. No one should fear for their safety because of their faith,” they said.
They urged Durham Regional Police to use every tool available to investigate this as a hate crime and ensure the perpetrator is held fully accountable.
Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier and library board chair Piyali Correya issued a joint statement on the town’s website, stating “the Library strives to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone, and acts of hate and violence will not be tolerated in any Town facility or public space.”
Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force (AARTF) issued a statement condemning the “vicious act of Islamophobia.”
“Muslims are an integral part of the Canadian fabric, including those who choose to wear the hijab. Tragically, we have seen an alarming 1,800% increase in Islamophobic incidents across Canada*, highlighting a growing concern that we cannot ignore,” reads the statement.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) in a statement expressed that they are “horrified, though not shocked,” in the incident.
“We are outraged to learn of this unprovoked attack on a Muslim woman, which took place at the Ajax Library on Saturday, March 22,” the NCCM said in a statement.
“We are closely monitoring this case and strongly urge authorities to investigate this assault as a hate crime,” said 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,” he added.
