Vancouver police are investigating the Sunday night incident as a hate crime
Vancouver police are investigating an alleged assault during rival Sunday night protests as a hate crime.
Officers stepped in at the Vancouver Art Gallery and Robson Square just after 7 p.m. when a conflict erupted between groups of protesters with opposing views about the war between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah.
A 34-year-old woman was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries after being “knocked to the ground, assaulted and subjected to antisemitic slurs,” said VPD spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison.
A suspect fled into the crowd after the alleged assault, and a youth was later arrested by Vancouver police. Addison said the incident is being investigated as a hate crime.
“We don’t expect everyone to agree, but we do expect them to treat each other with dignity and respect,” said Addison in a news release Tuesday morning.
“Violence, hatred and intimidation have no place in Vancouver, and the VPD will do everything in its power to solve crimes and apprehend offenders, so that people can be safe in their community.”
The suspect has been released while the major crime section continues its investigation.