The stabbing of a Jewish woman in broad daylight at an Ottawa grocery store has prompted public officials including the city’s mayor, Ontario’s premier and the prime minister to condemn what they’re calling a disturbing act of hate-motivated 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 arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon, 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.”
‘This isn’t Ottawa’
At a news conference Friday afternoon, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said this and other recent incidents of hate-motivated violence are unacceptable.
“I feel upset because this isn’t Ottawa,” he said. “People should be able to go to the grocery store without experiencing the risk of violence. They should be able to take the bus without feeling afraid. They should be able to go to their place of worship without feeling intimidated.”
Sutcliffe said he’s reached out to the local Jewish community to offer his support and solidarity, and said he’s also spoken with the stabbing victim.
“Thankfully she is OK. It could have been much worse,” he said. “I think most of all, she just wanted to indicate her gratitude to the first responders who helped her, to the community that’s rallied around her. She felt loved.”
The stabbing happened in the ward of College Coun. Laine Johnson, who called the incident “gut-wrenching.”
“How are people supposed to move through the world feeling safe when we have these moments?” she asked.
Ontario’s premier reacted to the incident online: “Hate, violence and antisemitism have no place in our province,” Ford stated.
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 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.”
During Friday’s news conference, Sutcliffe mentioned other recent incidents including the hate-motivated assault of a Muslim woman aboard an OC Transpo bus, and racist graffiti scrawled outside a Muslim association building in Stittsville.
“To the members of our Muslim community, I want to reiterate you are not alone. We are with you. The entire community is with you, but we have to do better as a community,” Sutcliffe said.
