Police launch hate crime investigation after protesters clash in Vancouver

Vancouver police have opened a hate crime investigation following a violent clash between opposing groups during a protest over the war in the Middle East.

Police said the confrontation occurred Sunday night outside the Vancouver Art Gallery, where demonstrators gathered expressing differing views on the conflict involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

According to investigators, a 34-year-old woman was assaulted, knocked to the ground, and subjected to antisemitic slurs. She required medical attention for her injuries.

Police said the suspect fled into the crowd, but officers later arrested a youth who has since been released as the investigation continues.

A post on the Instagram account “Free Palestine BC” indicated that a demonstration had been planned for Sunday evening under the slogan “resistance until liberation.”