Chandler Marshall, a 28-year-old Canadian man, has been arrested by Toronto police and is facing multiple charges related to hate-motivated crimes in connection with incidents outside a Toronto mosque and two other locations.
Toronto Police responded to a call at around 6:40 am at the Toronto Islamic Centre (TIC) near Yonge Street and Davenport Road. TIC, as reported by the National Council for Canadian Muslims (NCCM) on social media, stated that Marshall vandalized the center, shouted Islamophobic slurs, and made threats against congregants. TIC emphasized their resilience against such acts of hate, stating that they will not be intimidated despite facing previous threats.
The NCCM shared footage of the incident with the Toronto police. The TIC message urged worshippers to participate in prayers and stand against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hatred while emphasizing the need for long-term change to combat all forms of hate.
In addition to the mosque incident, Marshall is charged in connection with two other incidents that occurred on Wednesday morning. The first incident involved Marshall spraying an unknown substance in the face of a taxi driver who had offered him a ride after inquiring about his religious affiliation. The second incident occurred three and a half hours later when Marshall approached a woman wearing a hijab, made derogatory statements, and sprayed her face with an unknown substance. The victim in the latter incident suffered minor physical injuries.
Marshall is scheduled to appear in a Toronto bail court on Monday morning, facing charges that include four counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of assault, two counts of carrying a concealed weapon, two counts of mischief, two counts of administering a noxious substance, two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, two counts of weapons dangerous, and uttering threats.
