2 Somali Women Were Horrifically Attacked In Alberta & It Was 'Due To Their Race'
This article contains descriptions of violence that might not be suitable for some readers.
A Somali mother and her adult daughter suffered what police are calling a "horrific" racist attack in Edmonton on Tuesday, December 8.
According to a police release, the attack took place in the Southgate Centre parking lot.
A man allegedly approached the women while they were sitting in their car. Both were wearing hijabs.
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These individuals were targeted due to their race, therefore making this a hate-motivated crime.
Sgt. Gary Willits, of the EPS Hate Crime and Violent Extremism Unit
The man allegedly began screaming racist obscenities at the women before punching through the passenger window.
The woman in the passenger seat ran from the car but the man chased her, pushing her to the ground and assaulting her.
The other woman tried to help but she was also shoved to the ground before nearby witnesses intervened and stopped the attack.
Police arrived on the scene shortly after and the man was arrested.
“The attack on these women is horrific and our hearts go out to them,” said Sgt. Gary Willits. "We are utilizing Section 718.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada, which allows courts to consider increased sentencing.”
The 41-year-old man has been charged with two counts of assault and one count of mischief.
This investigation is ongoing.