Man Charged in Alleged Hate-Motivated Attack on Bus in Scarborough
Police arrested a Toronto man in connection with a verbal and physical assault on a Muslim woman aboard a Durham transit bus in April.
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Toronto police have arrested Thirukumaran Kandasamy of Toronto in connection with a suspected hate-motivated assault on a Durham transit bus that occurred in Scarborough in April.
On the morning of the incident, a man made several derogatory and anti-Muslim comments toward a woman, then allegedly kicked her before exiting the bus. Video posted by the National Council of Canadian Muslims captured the man swearing and repeating the word "terror" before lunging at the woman. She suffered minor physical injuries.
Even though the bus originated in Durham Region, the assault took place in Scarborough near Progress Avenue and Milner Avenue, prompting Toronto police to investigate. Kandasamy was arrested on June 17, 2026, and charged with assault and criminal harassment. He could also face hate-crime related charges if the Crown determines the assault was motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate. If convicted, a judge may consider hate as an aggravating factor during sentencing.