Waterdown private school bus vandalized with Islamophobic graffiti

Hamilton police’s hate crime unit is investigating after a school bus was reportedly vandalized with Islamophobic graffiti at a private school in Waterdown.

Police have confirmed with CHCH News that the vehicle had been parked at Waterdown Islamic School on Innovation Drive since May 26. The damage was found and reported to authorities on May 31.

Hate speech was written on the seats and a fire extinguisher appeared to have been sprayed inside.

The Hamilton and national Muslim community is looking for answers and is calling the incident deeply disturbing.

A photo of some of the vandalism was shared by the National Council of Canadian Muslims on Facebook on Monday.

It shows a school bus seat with a swear word written across the top followed by the word “Muslim” underneath. The Council also says the seats were reportedly shredded.

Hamilton Centre MP Aslam Rana shared a statement on ‘X’ saying, in part, “This was a targeted and deeply troubling act. School buses were allegedly followed, and damage was caused to their accelerators.

Had these issues gone unnoticed and the buses been operated, the consequences could have been severe, potentially putting children at risk. Islamophobic slurs were also reportedly found on the buses, making it clear that this was an act motivated by hate.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Hamilton police.

This is a developing news story — more to come

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