Muslim Woman Attacked in Oshawa Fast-Food Restaurant

Police are searching for a group of individuals who allegedly assaulted a woman at a fast-food restaurant in Oshawa on July 2, 2025. Durham police are investigating a 'violent swarming' attack in Oshawa, Ont. that a Muslim advocacy group says should be investigated as a possible hate-motivated offence after the victim’s hijab was 'pulled off.'

In a news release issued Thursday, investigators said they were called to a fast-food restaurant on July 2 at approximately 12:30 a.m. near Cedar Street and Wentworth Street West. Police said a group that appeared to be composed of young people had been causing a disturbance at the restaurant. When one of the individuals jumped behind the counter and attempted to take an item, police said they were confronted by the victim and a 'violent struggle ensued.'

'During that struggle, several other individuals also jumped behind the counter, swarmed and assaulted the victim,' police said. The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) released blurred surveillance video of the attack, calling on police to investigate every angle of the incident, including the possibility of a hate-motivated attack.

Durham police confirmed that they are considering all motives, including the potential for a hate crime. The victim's daughter, speaking at a news conference, described the attack involving 'almost a dozen people' and highlighted the increase in Islamophobic attitudes and actions in the community.

Fatema Abdalla, a spokesperson for the NCCM, emphasized the need for government action to address the rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes in the region.