A Muslim truck driver in Montreal was reportedly attacked while on duty in Saint-Laurent earlier this month, as per the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM). The disturbing incident on December 4 was captured in a video shared online by the NCCM.
In the video, a man is seen approaching the driver with a snow brush and using it to strike the driver multiple times. The situation escalated quickly, with the attacker verbally expressing his disdain for the driver.
Montreal police responded to the scene following a confrontation between the two men at an industrial parking lot. The attacker can be heard in the footage making derogatory remarks towards the driver before attempting to prevent the recording of the incident.
The NCCM also disclosed a separate video posted on TikTok by the alleged attacker, where he references the altercation and his actions. The victim, a 35-year-old man, reported being hit with a blunt object but did not sustain visible injuries.
Although a 45-year-old man was arrested at the scene, he was later released as the victim initially hesitated to pursue legal action. However, the victim has since indicated readiness to engage in legal proceedings, prompting the case to be transferred for further investigation.
This incident comes in the wake of another reported attack on a Muslim Uber driver in Montreal, indicating a troubling trend of hostility toward individuals based on their faith. The SPVM’s hate crimes unit is currently investigating the threat made against the Uber driver.
The rise in reported hate crimes targeting Montreal’s Arab-Muslim and Jewish communities is concerning, with statistics revealing an increase in such incidents over the past year. Advocates stress the importance of addressing and preventing such acts of discrimination to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
