The stabbing of a Jewish woman in broad daylight at an Ottawa grocery store has prompted public officials including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford to speak out against what they’re calling a disturbing act of violence in the community.
The unprovoked attack happened Wednesday afternoon at a Loblaws store on Baseline Road. The victim, in her 70s, was critically injured.
Joseph Rooke, 71, of Cornwall, Ont., was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon at the scene, police said. Rooke appeared in court Thursday and is scheduled to return Sept. 2.
“After a thorough investigation, this incident is considered a hate-motivated crime,” the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) confirmed Friday afternoon.
“OPS is in contact with leaders of the Jewish community, and directives have been issued to officers to increase their presence in areas of significance to the Jewish community,” police wrote.
Ford wrote online that hate crime investigators have his “full support.”
“Hate, violence and antisemitism have no place in our province,” the Ontario premier wrote.
I’m deeply disturbed by the violent attack that took place this week against a Jewish woman at an Ottawa grocery store. My thoughts are with the victim as well as Ottawa’s Jewish community. I pray she makes a full recovery.<br><br>The Ottawa Police’s hate crimes unit has my full…
—@fordnation
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe acknowledged online that the “reprehensible violence has understandably caused significant distress within Ottawa’s Jewish community,” and expressed his “support and solidarity.”
Ottawa West-Nepean MPP Chandra Pasma called it a “deeply troubling incident,” while MP Anita Vandenbeld posted that she was “mortified” and “can’t imagine the fear of our Jewish neighbours.”
Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre added to the conversation on Friday morning, saying he was “outraged by yet another vile antisemitic attack.”
He called on Prime Minister Mark Carney “to ensure there are serious consequences for those who commit or incite antisemitic crimes — including stronger hate-crime laws, and the deportation of non-Canadians who come here to spread hatred.”
On X, Carney called the attack “deeply disturbing” on Friday.
“My thoughts are with her, her family, and Ottawa’s Jewish community, and my support is with law enforcement as they work to swiftly bring the perpetrator to justice,” Carney wrote.
“To Canada’s Jewish community: you are not alone. We stand with you against hate and threats to your safety, and we will act to confront antisemitism wherever it appears.”
