Ottawa police are asking the public for help to identify a person suspected of creating hate-motivated graffiti.
The incident took place on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at around 9:46 p.m. at the National War Memorial on Wellington Street.
Ottawa police had earlier reported the incident was Oct. 16.
The suspect, described by police as a white man, was wearing a light-coloured sweater, dark pants, a dark tuque and had a black back pack.
Police allege the suspect used the sharp object to carve a swastika on the helmet of the grave stone at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
In a statement, Veterans Affairs Minister Laurence MacAulay called the act “disgusting.”
“It was the desecration of a site that stands as a permanent reminder of the memories and sacrifices of every single person who has fought and died in the service of Canada.”
Police said the damage to the memorial had since been repaired.
The man left the area on a bicycle.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Det. Ali Toghrol of the Ottawa Police Service hate crime Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5453.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.
