Man allegedly sprayed ‘noxious substance’ on victim during Palestinian flag raising at Toronto’s city hall

Toronto City Hall raised the Palestinian flag over the building for the first time on Mon. Nov. 17, 2025, joining other cities across Canada. (CTV News Toronto)

Toronto police say they’ve arrested a man who allegedly sprayed a “noxious substance” on another person during a Palestinian flag raising event at Toronto City Hall on Monday.

Police say the incident happened at around 11:10 a.m.

Investigators say the man then fled the scene and was found and arrested by police.

There were no reported injuries.

• READ MORE: Toronto City Hall raises Palestinian flag, joining other cities across Canada

Darren Richmond, 59, of Toronto, has been charged with assault with a weapon and administering noxious substance with intent. The charges have not been tested in court.

He is scheduled to appear in court next year.

On Monday morning, Toronto City Hall raised the Palestinian flag over the building for the first time, joining other cities across Canada.

Some supporters chanted “free, free Palestine” on the rooftop and lined up to have their photo taken with the flag before it was raised. They also gathered below in Nathan Phillips Square to watch the flag go up. Some pro-Israeli protesters were also in attendance.

With files from The Canadian Press