Man charged in hate-motivated attack on Muslim hotel employee: York Region police

Police say a Toronto man is facing charges in an alleged hate-motivated assault on a Muslim employee of a Markham, Ont., hotel.

York Regional Police say officers responded to reports of an assault at a hotel near Highway 7 East and Commerce Valley Drive West shortly after 3 a.m. on Sept. 28.

They say a 54-year-old hotel employee was found with serious head injuries and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Police allege an intoxicated hotel guest became aggressive after his credit card was declined when he tried to pay for his room.

Investigators say a verbal argument broke out and the suspect’s “demeanour changed” when he learned that the hotel employee was Muslim.

They allege the 31-year-old suspect threatened to kill the victim and then chased him to a room where he attacked him violently.

The suspect has been charged with assault causing bodily harm and uttering threats.

The investigation continues and police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 8, 2025.

The Canadian Press