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Eleven People Charged in Investigation of Hate-Motivated Mischief at Yorkville Bookstore Chain

Eleven individuals have been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into hate-motivated mischief at a prominent bookstore chain in Yorkville, according to the Toronto police. The incident occurred at the Indigo store located at Bay and Bloor streets, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

Incident Details

On November 10, at approximately 4:15 a.m., the Toronto police received a report of mischief at the Indigo store in Yorkville. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered that a group of suspects had affixed posters to the doors and windows of the bookstore. In addition, they had poured red paint on the windows and sidewalk.

CP24’s cameras captured footage of the incident, revealing that the posters displayed an image of Heather Reisman, the Jewish CEO of Indigo, alongside the words “Genocide Financing.”

Arrests and Charges

Following an intensive investigation, Toronto police arrested and charged an individual identified as Nisha Toomey, a 41-year-old resident of Toronto, with mischief valued at over $5,000 in connection with the incident. This arrest marked a significant breakthrough in the case.

In a press release issued on Thursday, Toronto police confirmed that an additional ten individuals, all Toronto residents, are now facing charges related to the incident. The individuals facing charges are Sharmeen Khan (45), MacDonald Scott (56), Mercedes Lee (44), Suzanne Narain (38), Lesley Wood (56), Sarom Rho (29), Ian Doty (43), Stuart Schussler (39), Karl Sebastian Gardner (33), and Clement Cheng (26). Each individual faces one count of mischief over $5,000 and one count of conspiracy to commit a criminal act.

According to Toronto police, all eleven individuals are scheduled to appear in court in January.

Investigation and Hate Crime

Law enforcement officials are treating this incident as a suspected hate crime. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities dedicating significant resources to uncovering further details and potential motives behind the act of mischief.

Boycott Campaigns and Controversies

Indigo, the targeted bookstore chain, has been subject to boycott campaigns for several years due to controversies surrounding its founder’s organization, the HESEG Foundation for Lone Soldiers.

Increasing Hate Crimes

During a Toronto Police Services Board meeting on Thursday morning, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw highlighted the concerning rise in hate crimes, particularly anti-Semitic and Islamophobic or anti-Palestinian incidents. Chief Demkiw noted that these hate crimes have surged since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict on October 7.

Expressing his concern, Chief Demkiw called the increase “staggering” and stressed the allocation of significant resources to combat all forms of hate crimes in the city.

“To address these deeply concerning issues, we have dedicated substantial resources to tackle the overall increase in hate crimes and combat all categories of hate,” Chief Demkiw stated.

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