Ottawa police seek suspect after woman has hijab torn off

An Ottawa Police Service vehicle is seen in this undated photo. CITYNEWS

By The Canadian Press

Posted Jun 21, 2026 07:10:17 PM.

Police in Ottawa are looking for a suspect in a hate-motivated attack that took place Saturday. 

Ottawa Police say a man approached a woman around 3 p.m. and uttered a racial slur before forcibly removing her hijab. 

Police say the man then threw an umbrella at her before fleeing on foot. 

They say the woman wasn’t hurt. 

Two police units, including the hate crime unit, are continuing to investigate. 

Police are asking anyone with information to call police or Crime Stoppers.

Keep it Factual
Add CityNews Ottawa as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.
Add as a preferred source on Google
Submit a Correction
Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Thanksgiving 2026: what's open and closed in Ottawa

Monday, Oct. 12 is Thanksgiving, a time spent gathered around the table with family, friends and possibly a roast turkey. Thanksgiving is also a statutory public holiday in Ontario. Here's what will...

8h ago

Pumpkins may be tariff-free, but farmers face tough knock-on effects and high prices

The Butters brothers know pumpkins.

8h ago

Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week

TORONTO — Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week:

7h ago

Ottawa Mission shelter will offer Thanksgiving meals this Monday

The Ottawa Mission shelter will open its doors on Monday, Oct. 12, serving a full Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last Thanksgiving, the shelter set a new record for holiday meals, serving...

October 10, 2026 12:31 pm EST EST

Top Stories

Thanksgiving 2026: what's open and closed in Ottawa

Monday, Oct. 12 is Thanksgiving, a time spent gathered around the table with family, friends and possibly a roast turkey. Thanksgiving is also a statutory public holiday in Ontario. Here's what will...

8h ago

Pumpkins may be tariff-free, but farmers face tough knock-on effects and high prices

The Butters brothers know pumpkins.

8h ago

Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week

TORONTO — Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week:

7h ago

Ottawa Mission shelter will offer Thanksgiving meals this Monday

The Ottawa Mission shelter will open its doors on Monday, Oct. 12, serving a full Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last Thanksgiving, the shelter set a new record for holiday meals, serving...

October 10, 2026 12:31 pm EST EST

Most Watched Today

3:04
Vatican returns Indigenous artifacts to Canada

After years of negotiations, the Vatican has returned 62 Indigenous artifacts to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. Karling Donoghue reports.

December 7, 2025 3:03 am EST EST

2:34
Russia launches mass air assault on Ukraine amid peace talks

The Kremlin has launched a mass air attack on Ukraine as negotiations to end the war continue. Karling Donoghue details how this comes as the war-torn nation celebrates its national army day.

December 7, 2025 3:03 am EST EST

2:08
Carney meets Trump and Sheinbaum at World Cup draw

Prime Minister Mark Carney briefly met with President Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the World Cup draw in Washington. As Glen McGregor tells us, soccer wasn't the only issue on the PM's mind.

December 5, 2025 6:11 pm EST EST

3:28
Fans react to Canada’s 2026 World Cup draw

Canada has learned who it will face in the group stage in the 2026 World Cup. Brandon Choghri with reaction from fans, as they look ahead to a potential match with Italy.

December 6, 2025 2:58 am EST EST

2:36
Fighting continues in D.R. Congo despite Trump’s peace deal

Fighting continued in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Friday, a day after Trump’s peace deal ceremony with D.R.C and Rwanda. Michelle Mackey reports.

December 6, 2025 2:58 am EST EST

More Videos