Durham Police Probe Oshawa Swarming as Potential Anti-Muslim Hate Crime

Durham Regional Police Service has opened an investigation into a violent "swarming" at a Pizza Pizza outlet in Oshawa, Ontario, after a group of about 10 youths allegedly assaulted the restaurant’s owner around 12:30 a.m. on 2 July. The assailants reportedly jumped behind the counter when one member tried to steal an item, then surrounded the female owner, pulled off her hijab and stomped on her head before fleeing. The National Council of Canadian Muslims released surveillance footage of the incident and urged police to treat it as a potential hate-motivated crime, citing the removal of the woman’s hijab during the attack. Investigators say motives, including possible hate bias, are being examined. The extent of the victim’s injuries has not been disclosed, and police have yet to issue suspect descriptions or announce arrests.