International Desk: In Canada, a young man carried out a racist attack on an elderly Sikh man, threatening him to “leave the country”. Treating the incident as a hate crime, the Woodstock Police Service arrested the suspect.
Toronto: A youth in Canada assaulted an elderly Sikh man and, while making racist remarks, told him to “get out of my country”. Police have launched an investigation, classifying the case as a hate-motivated attack, authorities said.
According to a statement from Woodstock Police, the incident occurred on 22 April in Woodstock, Ontario, and the suspect has been charged with multiple offences. The statement said the elderly man was walking along the pavement when the youth pushed him.
Police stated that the victim was targeted on the basis of his racial identity, with the attacker making abusive and derogatory remarks. The victim did not sustain any injuries.
Investigators found that the attack was unprovoked. Following the assault, the youth reportedly climbed over the fence of Turtle Island School, entered the premises, and then fled. It was confirmed that no students were targeted.
Police said, “Following the investigation, the accused has been arrested on charges related to a hate-motivated attack and remains in custody pending a bail hearing.”
Woodstock Police also noted that videos of the incident have been circulating on social media, in which the youth can be heard repeatedly making racist comments, including: “What are you doing in my country? You don’t belong here. Get out of my country.”
Police added, “There is no place for hate in our community. We are committed to ensuring the safety of every member of our community. Anyone who experiences a hate-motivated incident should report it to the police.”
Authorities further stressed that such offenders will not be spared.
Meanwhile, the World Sikh Organization expressed deep concern over the incident in a statement posted on X, calling the attack unacceptable. The organisation thanked Woodstock Police for their swift action, adding, “Our recent report on anti-Sikh incidents indicates that such cases are part of a broader and troubling pattern. Timely reporting, public awareness, and coordinated institutional action are essential. If you are a victim of a hate crime, please inform the police and the organisation.”
