Ottawa·NewThe stabbing of a Jewish woman in broad daylight at an Ottawa grocery store has prompted public officials including Ontario Premier Doug Ford to speak out against what they’re calling a disturbing act of violence in the community.Joseph Rooke, 71, charged after woman in her 70s stabbed at Ottawa grocery storeCBC News · Posted: Aug 29, 2025 12:22 PM EDT | Last Updated: 2 minutes agoAn Ottawa Police Service car sits parked outside an Ottawa grocery store after a woman was stabbed on Wednesday. (Francis Ferland/CBC)The stabbing of a Jewish woman in broad daylight at an Ottawa grocery store has prompted public officials including Ontario Premier Doug Ford to speak out against what they’re calling a disturbing act of violence in the community.The unprovoked attack happened Wednesday afternoon at a Loblaws store on Baseline Road. The victim, in her 70s, was critically injured.The Ottawa Police Service’s (OPS) hate and bias crime unit is involved in the investigation.Joseph Rooke, 71, of Cornwall, Ont., was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon at the scene, police said. Rooke appeared in court Thursday and is scheduled to return Sept. 2.Ford wrote online that hate crime investigators have his “full support.””Hate, violence and antisemitism have no place in our province,” Ford wrote.I’m deeply disturbed by the violent attack that took place this week against a Jewish woman at an Ottawa grocery store. My thoughts are with the victim as well as Ottawa’s Jewish community. I pray she makes a full recovery.The Ottawa Police’s hate crimes unit has my full…—@fordnationOttawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe acknowledged online that the “reprehensible violence has understandably caused significant distress within Ottawa’s Jewish community,” and expressed his “support and solidarity.” Ottawa West-Nepean MPP Chandra Pasma called it a “deeply troubling incident,” while MP Anita Vandenbeld posted that she was “mortified” and “can’t imagine the fear of our Jewish neighbours.”Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre added to the conversation on Friday morning, saying he was “outraged by yet another vile antisemitic attack.”He called on Prime Minister Mark Carney “to ensure there are serious consequences for those who commit or incite antisemitic crimes — including stronger hate-crime laws, and the deportation of non-Canadians who come here to spread hatred.”A police officer watches the door of an Ottawa Loblaws after the stabbing on Wednesday. (Francis Ferland/CBC)
Politicians express outrage at ‘vile’ attack on Jewish woman
