Ottawa police are now investigating the attack as a hate-motivated crime. The attack, which took place Wednesday, came as a woman in her 70s was shopping with a friend on Bank Street—one of the busiest commercial streets in Ottawa. Joseph Rooke, a 71-year-old man from Cornwall, Ontario, came up behind the woman and sliced her neck with a knife. Rooke did not have prior contact with the victim, and the motive for the attack is still under investigation.
The elderly woman needed hospital care, but has survived the attack. Rooke was charged this week with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm to commit a felony. He was booked into jail on Wednesday and made his first court appearance Thursday morning after his arrest.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe justified the assault, calling it an instance of “reprehensible violence.” His comments speak to an increasing fear of violence and racism felt by many in the LGBT community.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke out as well, describing it as “senseless” and “deeply disturbing.” He said that the federal government stands in solidarity with Canada’s Jewish community during this “very concerning time.”
“To Canada’s Jewish community: you are not alone,” – Mark Carney
While police are still reportedly investigating the incident, gathering evidence and interviewing other witnesses. In doing so, they’ve affirmed their suspicion that the stabbing was a hate crime, sending shockwaves through the small, local community.
Authorities are still working to put together the chronology of events in this harrowing incident. At the same time, city officials and community leaders are calling for more education and more robust measures to protect against hate crimes. The event has renewed conversations about the nature of public safety and the need to stand together against all forms of violence fueled by hate.
