CAIR-NY Condemns Anti-Muslim Attacks in Queens, Welcomes NYPD Hate Crime Probe
(NEW YORK, NY, 6/23/2021) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) condemned two anti-Muslim attacks in Queens targeting two couples. The civil rights group welcomed the hate crimes investigation by the NYPD.
On Sunday evening, a Black male with a beard screamed anti-Muslim slurs at two couples in Queens in unprovoked attacks less than an hour apart. In one of the attacks, a couple were walking in South Richmond Hill when the assailant screamed epithets, punched the man in the back and tugged on the woman’s hijab before punching her in the arm and running off.
An hour later and about a mile away, the same assailant attacked an elder couple while spewing anti-Muslim hate. The assailant punched the elderly woman repeatedly in the face before running off. The elderly woman suffered a fractured nose and cuts to her face and head.
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The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.
In a statement, CAIR-NY Legal Director Ahmed Mohamed said:
“We are disturbed that people going about their daily lives are being randomly attacked because of anti-Muslim hate. It is absolutely disgusting. Bias incidents targeting Muslims and members of other minority communities are sadly on the rise. Every person deserves to feel safe to walk around Queens—which is supposed to be the World’s Borough.
“We pray for the victims’ speedy recovery and for the apprehension and prosecution of the assailant. We hope officials will condemn these Islamophobic attacks and show solidarity with the Muslim community.”
Mohamed also called on elected officials to do more to support community-based organizations that support and provide services for victims of hate.
CAIR-New York is a chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Legal Director, 646-481-2103, ahmedmohamed@cair.com