CAIR-NY Welcomes Hate Crime Charge for Attack on Muslim Women, Urges Mosques to Take Security Measures
(NEW YORK, N.Y., 9/9/16) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today welcomed a hate crime charge for an attack on two Muslim women pushing babies in strollers during which the alleged attacker punched and kicked the victims and tried to pull off their Islamic head scarves, or hijabs.
CAIR-NY also urged local mosques and Islamic institutions to increase security measures this weekend as the nation marks the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.
According to police, the alleged attacker shouted Islamophobic insults as she assaulted the victims about 1:30 p.m. Thursday. The alleged attacker reportedly shouted, “Get the f--- out of America, b-----s,” as she punched one of the Muslim women in the face and kicked them both in their legs.
Before the incident, the suspect reportedly posted hate messages on Facebook attacking Muslims and African-Americans. The suspect was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault as a hate crime.
“We urge the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office to prosecute this horrific attack vigorously, sending the message that hate attacks targeting any minority group will not be tolerated,” said CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher. “We urge mosques and Islamic institutions to increase security measures, particularly this weekend as the nation marks the solemn occasion of the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, which some may use as an excuse to attack American Muslims.”
CAIR-NY recently welcomed the announcement of charges of murder in the first degree brought against the alleged killer of a Queens imam (religious leader) and his associate. CAIR-NY similarly urged the NYPD and the district attorney to continue the investigation of a possible hate motive in that case.
SEE: CAIR-NY Welcomes Charges Against Alleged Killer of Queens Imam and Associate, Urges Hate Crime Probe
Earlier today, CAIR called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for an incident at a Laurel. Md., mosque.
SEE: Muslim Group Wants Federal Probe After Tractor-Trailer Rams Maryland Mosque
CAIR has noted a spike in anti-Muslim discrimination and hate crimes in recent months, which the civil rights groups attributes at least in part to Islamophobic rhetoric used by various public figures.
The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report,http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/13708-cair-ny-welcomes-charges-against-alleged-killer-of-queens-imam-and-associate-urges-hate-crime-probe.html
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, 917-669-4006,anasher@cair.com; Director of Strategic Litigation Albert Cahn, 571 766-6273, acahn@cair.com, CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com