Warning: Graphic content
The London Police Service (LPS) has confirmed its Hate Crime Unit is investigating an alleged hate related incident that took place on the Western University campus Tuesday, much of which was captured on cell phone video.
The video appears to show a verbal altercation between a man and a group of women.
The video was shared with CTV News. The sender claims there were children present when it took place. A man can be seen in a car marked with business logos arguing with a woman taking the video.
The following is a partial transcript of the altercation:
Woman: He’s saying that I should take off my hijab. He’s saying that Muslims don’t belong here.
Man: You don’t belong here.
Woman: Why don’t we belong here.
Man: Because you’re not indicative to western culture.
Man: A woman is not supposed to wear that.
Woman: A woman is not supposed to wear what?
Man: The hijab.
Woman: Why can’t I wear the hijab?
Man: Christian values.
Woman: Why can’t I wear the hijab? It’s my choice.
Man: It’s not Christian values. This is my country.
The altercation continues with two other women coming to the defence of the woman taking the video
Woman 2: I was born here. I know what I’m talking about.
Man: You weren’t born here. You’re Pakistani.
Woman: How do you know she’s Pakistani? How do you know her?
Man: I don’t give a (expletive) how I know her. Look at her. I didn’t ask for you (expletive) to be here.
CTV News tracked the man down. He identified himself only as Tom. He said the incident started when the woman flipped him the middle finger.
“I consider myself a nationalist. And the fact that this country was built by the Irish, the Scottish, and basically all the western cultures. This culture was built up on Christian values. And I don’t see those Christian values being put forth in regards to what’s going on in today’s culture at this point in time,” he said.
Muslim faith leader Abd Alfatah Twakkal, chair of the Council of London Imams, said he’s disturbed by the video.
“The contents were quite vile, racist, Islamophobic, disturbing on many different levels. And the fact that this was taking place against a visible member of our community, a woman wearing a hijab, in front of her children. This is what makes it more egregious,” he said.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims said provincial and federal governments need to take action against Islamophobia.
“It’s time for elected officials to sit down with us and to build some kind of reaction or a national strategy on combatting this kind of Islamophobia,” said NCCM spokesperson Steven Zhou.
Western University issued a statement in response to the video.
“Western does not tolerate hate or discrimination and is committed to using all available tools to address it,” the school said. “We are dedicated to providing a safe, respectful and supportive environment for all members of our campus community.”
Western also said it’s working with all levels of government and London police “to address concerns and combat hate and discrimination in all its forms.”
“We encourage anyone who has concerns with respect to hate or discrimination on campus to report such concerns directly to the Western Special Constable Service and/or the Human Rights Office.”
Suspect apologizes after learning of investigation
The altercation continued, with the video lasting a total of two minutes and 45 seconds.
Man: You and you’re little leftist, socialist, propogandist, little …
Woman: You’re racist.
Man: Yeah, I’m racist. (Expletive) right I’m racist.
In the meantime, after learning from CTV News the incident is being investigated by the LPS Hate Crimes Unit, Tom said he apologized for his behaviour.
“I did do a nasty thing. I admit it. I’m trying to reconcile the difference,” he said.
He was then asked if he is turning himself in.
“I will probably. I’m going to give them a call definitely and make it easier for them. And, again, I’ll have to pay for the consequences, but again this is a free country,” he said.
The women in the video did not want to be identified and declined our request for an interview.
