A recent graduate of a Canadian university has been arrested for a hate-motivated attack on a gender studies class. Geovanny Villalba-Aleman, a 24-year-old international student, allegedly carried out the assault at Waterloo University.
Geovanny Villalba-Aleman, who had recently graduated from the university, is facing multiple charges. These charges include aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, dangerous weapon posession, and mischief. He made his first court appearance on Thursday after being taken into custody by Waterloo Regional Police.
During a gender studies class, Villalba-Aleman entered the room and asked about the nature of the class before closing the door. He then retrieved two knives from his backpack and attacked the professor. Two students, a 20-year-old female and a 19-year-old male, were also stabbed. All three victims sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Waterloo Regional Police swiftly responded to the incident and apprehended Villalba-Aleman within the building. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities treating the attack as a hate crime due to its connection to gender expression and identity. Police spokesperson Cherri Greeno emphasized the seriousness of the incident and the community’s concern.
The University of Waterloo expressed shock and concern over the attack, assuring students and faculty that their safety is a top priority. The university quickly communicated with the campus community, providing information about the incident and offering support to those affected.
The university is working closely with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation of the incident.