Woman’s hijab stolen at knifepoint near University of Washington in attack investigated as hate crime

Feb. 16, 2024, 4:35 PM EST

By Katherine Itoh

A Seattle woman was robbed of her hijab at knifepoint near the University of Washington campus Monday morning.

Officers responded to a report that a woman was approached from behind and placed in a “chokehold” by a man displaying a “small knife” in the University District around 9

The suspect was “voicing disparaging remarks and general hatred for the victim’s perceived religious beliefs and national origin,” the Seattle Police said. He stole the woman’s hijab before running off.

The police reviewed video footage of the incident and searched the area for the suspect but could not locate him.