Winnipeg police investigating string of hate-motivated incidents
Posted October 26, 2023 3:19 pm.
Winnipeg police say they’ve seen an uptick in the number of suspected hate-motivated crimes within the city.
In a press conference Thursday, WPS said officers are investigating five different incidents that happened in October.
Police say the first incident happened on either Oct. 7 or Oct. 8, after multiple reports stated eggs were thrown at the doors of residences in the city’s southwest area.
On Oct. 12, officers responded to another incident in a parking lot on Harrow Street, after receiving a report of a vandalized religious item.
Police say the damaged item was unattended when officers arrived.
The following day, WPS responded to a report that graffiti was sprayed on a shed near a school and a place of worship in the River Heights community. Multiple reports indicate Winnipeggers in the area were concerned with what was depicted in the graffiti.
WPS says between Oct. 15 and 24, multiple racially motivated social media posts were reported to police.
Lastly, around 4:30 a.m., on Oct. 22, officers responded to a report of a shooting in River Heights. Residents of a home told police they heard a window shatter at the time.
Police say no one was injured in the shooting, but note the home did have a visible religious symbol near the front door.
At this time, police have not confirmed if the incidents are connected. Additionally, WPS is asking if anyone has any information regarding any of the incidents to contact investigators at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.
“We remain committed to investigating suspected hate-motivated crimes under the provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada,” said Winnipeg police in a statement.
Due to this, WPS says they will be closely monitoring upcoming demonstrations that are being planned within the city.
“Counter-protests produce conditions that significantly impact the risk to the community. It is causing increased tension between the parties, potential for acts of violence and mischief, and a significant demand on our resources,” said WPS in a statement.
“The Winnipeg Police Service is not asking the community to refrain from peaceful, lawful assembly. We ask that those who have countering views to a planned event do so at a different time and location.”
