The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Minnesota (CAIR-MN) today called on CNN to condemn anti-Muslim smears made by contributor Scott Jennings. These remarks could significantly exacerbate the issue of anti-Muslim sentiment, particularly in the context of normalized attacks against Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
During a segment, Mr. Jennings referred to Rep. Omar as a “public relations agent for Hamas.” CAIR-MN is calling on CNN to publicly condemn these comments, reprimand Scott Jennings for his harmful assertions, and issue a sincere public apology to the Muslim community for the role its platform has played in amplifying dangerous sentiments.
SEE: ‘This Is Shocking’: House Democrats Condemn CNN for Airing ‘Blatant Islamophobia’ Against Ilhan Omar
“Scott Jennings’ comments have not only reinforced a dangerous trend of Islamophobia but could also contribute directly to targeting Congresswoman Omar and the broader Muslim community in Minnesota,” said Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of CAIR-MN. “Minnesota is home to a significant Muslim population and has witnessed the highest number of mosque attacks in the nation, a distressing statistic that cannot be disconnected from the type of rhetoric aired on CNN’s platform.”
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CONTACT: CAIR-MN Director of Advocacy Osman Ahmed 612-459-0334, o-ahmed@cair.com or Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com