Woman charged in second hate-motivated attack in recent weeks, politicians denounce hate crimes

EDMONTON – A 32-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in relation to a hate-motivated case on an LRT platform Tuesday morning.

Around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, officers were called to the Southgate LRT station for reports of an assault.

Police say a 23-year-old Black woman had just got to the station when the other woman approached her.

The woman began shouting racial obscenities and tried to hit the Black woman, who was also wearing a hijab, in the head with a shopping bag.

The victim tried to run away but the suspect continued after her.

A transit peace officer intervened and took the attacker into custody until Edmonton Police Service arrived.

Rene Ladouceur has been charged with assault with a weapon and she had nine outstanding warrants for unrelated cases.

Mayor @doniveson speaking out and condemning the two recent hate attacks (community leaders have been calling for all levels of government to go on camera to call this out, not just tweet) #yeg pic.twitter.com/pdCYntihjc

— Carly Robinson (@CarlyDRobinson) December 16, 2020

The Alberta Muslim Public Affairs Council (AMPAC) posted to Facebook, saying thanking the police for their quick action.

“We request all members of the community to be more cognizant of your surroundings and to please be safe out there,” read the post in part.

The AMPAC also said it was reaching out to the victim.

It’s the second hate-related event in recent weeks, but EPS says the two cases are not linked.

Last Tuesday, EOS arrested and charged a 41-year-old man with two counts of assault and one count of mischief in relation to a hate-motivated attack in the parking lot of Southgate Centre Mall.

In that case, police say the man–Richard Stevens–approached two Black women wearing hijabs and began shouting racial slurs. He also punched and shattered the passenger side window of the car the women were in.

The woman in the passenger seat tried to run but the man took her down and began beating her on the ground.

Bystanders saw the assault and jumped in to stop the attack.

‘Not the Edmonton you know’: politicians condemn hate-fueled violence

Premier Jason Kenney tweeted about the case, saying it is frustrating to see another hate case in Edmonton.

“This is completely unacceptable, it is revolting, it is un-Albertan,” he tweeted.

Mayor Don Iveson also condemned the attacks on Wednesday.

“I am saddened by two racially motivated attacks on our fellow Edmontonians in under a week. That these assailants targeted hijabi women of colour is unacceptable,” he said.

“This city council has made clear time and time again that hatred in any form, including racism, misogyny, and Islamophobia has no place in our community.”

He said the responsibility to condemn racially-motivated attacks falls on everyone, including all Edmontonians and varying government levels.

He added that Edmonton City Council stands with the victims.

“This is not the Edmonton that you know or should expect,” he said.

“Your safety matters to all of us, on transit and in any public space.”

Three provincial ministers–Leela Aheer, Kaycee Madu, and Rajan Sawhney– issued a joint statement denouncing the attacks.

“I want to make myself very clear: racism, religious intolerance, hatred and discrimination have no place in Alberta. Racists have no place in Alberta,” said Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women.

Three Alberta cabinet ministers issue statements condemning the hate-motivated attacks this week in Edmonton against three Muslim women. #yeg #yegcc pic.twitter.com/UpuCZYkYzj

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) December 16, 2020

“Our great province was built by people from different cultures and ethnicities, and it will continue to be built by Albertans from diverse backgrounds. The overwhelming majority of Albertans are welcoming and tolerant. Anyone who wants to play a part in building our future needs to embrace our pluralistic society and take an active role in creating a welcoming province for all.”

Justice Minister Madu said these kinds of crimes would not be tolerated.

“Those who commit crimes motivated by hate will be caught and charged. More importantly, the Government of Alberta, on behalf of the people of this province, will make sure the justice system has the resources it needs to address those who commit these crimes,” he said.

“I stand with women of all cultures and faiths who have been marginalized because of how they choose to dress and practise their faith. Their safety, their dignity, their individuality and their voices matter. We all have a part to play and it’s our collective duty as a society to ensure our women, youth, children and seniors feel safe and feel they belong,” said Sawhney, Minister of Community and Social Services.

-with files from Carly Robinson