Stabbing of a Jewish woman at an Ottawa grocery store is being treated as a hate-motivated attack

August 29,2025

RED FM News Desk

The Ottawa Police Service has confirmed that an unprovoked stabbing of a Jewish woman in a local grocery store is being treated as a hate-motivated crime. 

Police said the victim, a woman in her 70s, was attacked by a stranger around 1:35 p.m. Wednesday inside the Loblaws at College Square in Ottawa’s west end. The stabbing was described as unprovoked. 

“Following a thorough investigation, this incident is considered a hate-motivated crime,” police said in a news release Friday afternoon. 

The OPS added that it is in contact with Jewish community leaders and has instructed officers to step up patrols in areas of importance to the Jewish community. 

The suspect, identified as 71-year-old Joseph Rooke of Cornwall, faces charges of aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon. He remains in custody. 

The Jewish Federation of Ottawa described the victim as a “cherished member” of the community. The attack occurred in a Loblaws known for its kosher deli section and located in a ward with a significant Jewish population. 

Local and national leaders expressed outrage at the attack. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Prime Minister Mark Carney, and others issued statements condemning the violence. Carney called the stabbing “senseless” and pledged solidarity with Canada’s Jewish community, while Ford said he was “deeply disturbed” by the incident. 

Police said Thursday that the victim was still receiving medical care.