THE National Council of Canadian Muslims said on Sunday that it is “horrified, though not shocked,” that a person attempted to set a Muslim woman wearing a hijab on fire in the town of Ajax, Ontario.

“We are outraged to learn of this unprovoked attack on a Muslim woman, which took place at the Ajax Library on Saturday, March 22,” the NCCM said in a statement.

According to the Durham Regional Police, on March 22 at approximately 12 p.m., members from West Division were dispatched to an assault call at the Ajax Public Library located at 55 Harwood Avenue. Officers spoke with the victim who advised she was in the library studying when she was approached by an unknown female.

The female began yelling profanities at the victim and throwing objects at her head. The suspect then tried to remove the victim’s hijab, while pouring an unknown liquid on it. The suspect then grabbed a lighter and attempted to light the hijab on fire. The victim was able to scream for help, at which time security intervened.

The suspect fled the library but was located by officers a few hours later and taken into custody without incident. Kaley-Ann Freier, 25, of Ajax is charged with assault with a weapon (two counts) and fail to comply with probation order (three counts). She was held for a bail hearing.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, investigators are required to consult with the Crown Attorney’s office to determine whether the evidence meets the legal threshold for hate to be considered a factor.

“We are closely monitoring this case and strongly urge authorities to investigate this assault as a hate crime,” said NCCM CEO Stephen Brown.

“It is an outrage that this kind of violence has become a regular occurrence in our community. Incidents of Islamophobia have increased exponentially in recent years. It is time for our elected leaders to step up and address this issue collaboratively. We are in touch with Durham Regional Police.”