Muslim Woman Assaulted in Ontario Library, Suspect Tried to Set Hijab on Fire

A Muslim woman studying at the Ajax Public Library in Ontario was assaulted when a suspect attempted to remove her hijab, doused it with an unknown liquid, and tried to set it on fire. The attack, which took place on Saturday, has sparked calls for a hate crime investigation. 

The suspect, 25-year-old Kaley Ann Freier, was arrested and charged with two counts of assault with a weapon and three counts of failure to comply with a probation order. 

“I never imagined that a visit to my favorite, quiet corner of the library would turn into one of the most terrifying moments of my life,” the victim shared in a statement. She added, “I was simply going to study, as I had many times before when I noticed a woman murmuring and cursing.” 

The attack unfolded quickly. Freier began by throwing objects at the victim's head while shouting profanities. Before the victim could react or report the harassment to library staff, the situation escalated violently. 

“Out of nowhere, she violently grabbed my hijab, yanking it in an attempt to remove it,” the victim recounted. “Then she poured a liquid all over it, so much that I could feel my scarf getting soaked.” 

The attacker then reached for a lighter. “To my absolute horror, she pulled out a lighter and tried to set me on fire,” the victim stated. Panicked and in shock, she screamed for help. Fortunately, library security intervened, preventing what could have been a deadly outcome.

Police later arrested Freier and charged her with two counts of assault with a weapon and three counts of failure to comply with a probation order. Court records reveal a troubling history of violent behavior, including past charges of assaulting police officers, weapons possession and probation violations. 

The attack in Ajax is not an isolated incident. Omar Khamissa, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM)’s chief operating officer, expressed frustration at the increasing violence against Muslims. 

“I wasn’t shocked, I was frustrated. I was angry that our community still has to deal with this type of behavior — angry that we have been told by so many that Islamophobia doesn’t exist,” he stated. Islamophobia in Canada has become an undeniable reality. The country has led the G7 nations in Islamophobia-related deaths over the past seven years. 

Incidents like the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting, which left six dead, and the 2021 London, Ontario attack, where a Muslim family was run over, highlight the deadly consequences of unchecked hate. 

“What happened on Saturday could’ve easily increased that number,” Khamissa warned, calling on political leaders to take decisive action. 

With federal elections approaching, he demanded that all parties present concrete plans to combat Islamophobia. “The issue of Islamophobia and hate must be top of mind,” he emphasized. 

The Muslim advocacy group has called for police to investigate the Ajax attack as a hate crime. 

“It is an outrage that this kind of violence has become a regular occurrence in our community,” said NCCM CEO Stephen Brown. “Incidents of Islamophobia have increased exponentially in recent years. It is time for our elected leaders to step up and address this issue collaboratively.” 

The victim’s life has been upended. “Since that day, I haven’t been able to sleep properly,” she shared. “Every time I close my eyes, the incident replays over and over again. I toss and turn, gripped by my fear.” 

Her daughters also wear the hijab, and the attack has left her deeply worried about their safety. “They could become targets for hate and violence,” she wrote. “When even a peaceful library can become the site of terror, how can I trust that my children will be safe?” 

The Town of Ajax, library officials, and local politicians have condemned the attack. Deputy Mayor Sterling Lee called it a “shocking reminder that our Ajax community is not immune to intolerance and hatred.” 

Library board chair Piyali Correya reassured the public, stating, “Any incident that violates the safe and welcoming space we strive to make the library be is something we take seriously.” 

Even as the library reopened with security measures in place, the trauma lingers. “There is horror that it occurred,” Correya admitted. “But there’s also determination that we, as a community, band together to ensure this doesn’t happen again.” 

Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack on social media. “This type of violence is not an isolated incident,” he wrote on X. “Islamophobia is real, it is dangerous, and it must stop.” 

While Canada has taken steps to address Islamophobia—such as the parliamentary motion M-103 and government-funded initiatives—hate crimes against Muslims continue to rise. Reports suggest that Islamophobic incidents are often underreported due to a lack of trust in authorities.