A shocking incident unfolded at a west-end grocery store in Ottawa when a 71-year-old man, identified as Joseph (Joe) Rooke from Cornwall, allegedly stabbed an elderly Jewish woman in her 70s in an unprovoked attack. The distressing event took place at the Loblaws in College Square on Baseline Road on Wednesday afternoon.
The victim, who had visited the store with a friend, was unexpectedly approached and stabbed in the torso by the suspect. Despite sustaining serious injuries, she was promptly taken to the hospital, where she received treatment and was later discharged. Police swiftly apprehended Rooke at the scene without any resistance.
Authorities have clarified that the victim and the perpetrator were unknown to each other, and the motive behind the attack is currently being investigated by the Ottawa Police Service’s Hate and Bias Crime Unit.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford denounced the incident and expressed his dismay over the violent assault on the Jewish woman. In a statement, Ford extended his sympathies to the victim and the Jewish community in Ottawa, emphasizing his support for the hate crimes unit’s efforts in delving into this reprehensible act.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone possessing relevant information is encouraged to reach out to the Ottawa police.