London Police have arrested a 32-year-old man with hate-motivated threats
London police have laid an additional charge against a city man in an ongoing investigation into hate-motivated online threats targeting members of the South Asian and Latin American communities.
Brian Vassallo-Wilkins, 32, of London, was initially charged on July 2nd, with uttering threats of death or bodily harm. Police say further investigation has now resulted in a second charge of public incitement of hatred, contrary to section 319(1) of the Criminal Code.
Because of the nature of the offence, the public incitement of hatred charge required review and consent from the Attorney General before it could proceed.
In a statement, the London Police Service said hate-motivated incidents can have a serious and lasting impact on victims and can undermine the broader sense of safety within the community. Police noted their Hate Crime Unit continues to use a victim-centred, trauma-informed approach while focusing on holding those responsible accountable under the law.
Chief Thai Truong encouraged residents to report incidents of hate, noting such crimes are often underreported.
“We know hate-motivated incidents are often underreported, and we want every Londoner to feel safe coming forward, knowing they will be heard and taken seriously,” Truong said. “You will be listened to, supported, and we will respond. Hate has no place in our city, and we will continue to hold those responsible accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Police are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to contact the London Police Service at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted online through London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.
