This past weekend, the City of Hamilton experienced two deeply troubling hate- motivated events.
On Saturday, February 21, Hamilton Police Services (HPS) reported that a woman experienced an unprovoked, hate-motivated assault in the downtown core. The woman was standing on a public street in the area of Augusta Street when she was approached by an intoxicated man who verbally harassed her using derogatory language and struck her in the face. HPS reported that a 28-year-old male was arrested and charged the following day.
On Sunday, February 22, white supremacists held a demonstration in front of Hamilton
City Hall. The demonstration involved 19 masked men, dressed all in black. They performed a Nazi salute while displaying their group’s flag and a banner. HPS reported that police attended the area, but the demonstrators had dispersed by the time officers arrived.
For both events, HPS is asking anyone with information to contact police at 905-546-4925, or to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-8477, if they wish to provide information anonymously.
Unfortunately, neither of these incidents is isolated. Violent incidents of hate targeting individuals based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, and religion have been increasing. Fascist, white supremacist ideology is becoming more visible in our city, with its supporters feeling emboldened to promote their presence and their message in our public spaces.
We are deeply concerned about the impact this rise of hate in our city has had on those who have experienced it first-hand and those who have been targeted by its messages, particularly newcomers and racialized community members.
We stand in solidarity with all Hamiltonians who condemn these acts of hate, including our civic leaders and partners, and we remain committed to creating a Hamilton where everyone can live without fear and with a sense of belonging.
We encourage anyone who has experienced hate, been impacted by hate, or who has information about a hate incident to reach out to us and our partners for support and community resources.
