Man accused of violently assaulting Muslim employee at Markham hotel in suspected hate-motivated attack

York Regional Police logo is seen at headquarters in Aurora, Ont., Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

A 31-year-old man has been charged in connection with a suspected hate-motivated attack in Markham that left a Muslim hotel employee seriously injured.

The incident happened in the early morning hours of Sept. 28 at the hotel located near Highway 7 East and Commerce Valley Drive West.

York Regional Police (YRP) said a hotel employee called them to report an intoxicated guest who had become aggressive.

Investigators determined it began when the guest’s credit card declined as he was paying for his room.

The guest and employee got into a verbal altercation, police said. When he learned that the employee was Muslim, the guest’s demeanour allegedly changed.

“The suspect became upset, told the victim he was going to kill him and chased him to a room where he was violently assaulted,” police allege.

Officers arrived and located the 54-year-old employee with serious head injuries. He was subsequently taken to a trauma centre.

Police said the suspect was arrested nearby. He has been identified as 31-year-old Geethansan Sriranjan of Toronto.

He has been charged with assault causing bodily harm and uttering threats. The charges have not been tested in court.

YRP said in a news release that they strongly condemn all acts of hate.

“Hate has no place in our community. We are committed to protecting all residents and take these matters seriously. All reports of hate crime or hate/bias incidents will be investigated thoroughly,” YRP said.

In a post on social media, the National Council of Canadian Muslims said the employee suffered life-altering injuries.

“This utterly disgusting attack is one of the many incidents that have been happening more and more across Canada,” the NCCM said. “We don’t need more words. We need change.”

The NCCM said it is in touch with the victim’s family.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the incident a “vile act of hate” that is “completely unacceptable.”

“No one should ever be targeted or feel unsafe because of their faith. Our government stands with Ontario’s Muslim community and will always fight back against Islamophobia in all its forms,” Ford said in a post on social media.