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An 18-year-old Vaughan man has been charged in connection with two suspected hate-motivated assaults against Toronto’s Jewish community, police say.
The man faces four counts of assault with a weapon and two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
In an update Friday, Toronto police said his arrest is related to two incidents that occurred in just over a week.
The first happened on April 30 near Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue W., where three “visibly identifiable members” of the Jewish community sustained minor injuries after the man discharged an “imitation firearm” at them from an SUV, police said in a news release.
Police described the imitation firearm as an “Orbeez-type gun,” which is is a gun that shoots out gel beads.
The second incident happened on Thursday night, when three people standing in front of the Chasidei Bobov synagogue in North York were shot at with a similar imitation firearm from an SUV. One victim suffered minor injuries, police said.
Speaking to reporters outside the Chasidei Bobov synagogue, acting deputy chief Joe Matthews said both incidents are being investigated as hate-motivated. He was joined by local elected officials as well as Ontario’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.
“These incidents are deeply concerning,” said Matthews.
“We recognize that Jewish residents have been living with a heightened sense of fear due to repeated incidents targeting their community and this only adds to that, which is completely unacceptable.”
Sara Lefton, chief development officer at the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, also spoke at Chasidei Bobov synagogue before police announced the arrest.
Lefton said the attacks have left the Jewish community “shaken” and “angry.”
“There is constant intimidation and terrorizing of this community … enough is enough.”
Carney, Ford condemn incidents
Prime Minister Mark Carney called Thursday’s assault “an abhorrent act of antisemitism” and said he was “relieved” that an arrest was made.
“Law enforcement agencies have my full support as they investigate, and as they work to bring justice for the victims and the wider Jewish community,” he said in a post on social media.
Premier Doug Ford also weighed in online, saying he was “disgusted” by the incidents and that they will not be tolerated.
“I expect that all those who are responsible will be punished to the full extent of the law,” he said in a social media post.
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