Overview
- Durham Regional Police have charged two girls, aged 13 and 14, with assault causing bodily harm over the July 2 incident at an Oshawa Pizza Pizza.
- Three other youths—a 13-year-old boy, an 11-year-old boy who is too young to face charges and an unidentified girl aged 12 to 15—remain under active investigation as suspects.
- According to police, the attack began when a suspect jumped behind the counter and tried to take an item, after which the victim had her hijab ripped off and was kicked repeatedly.
- Authorities say there is currently no evidence that hate motivation played a role in the assault, although the hate-crime unit continues to review all findings.
- Muslim community advocates warn the incident underscores rising Islamophobic threats and are urging officials to bolster protections for vulnerable groups.