The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) today welcomed charges against a suspect who reportedly defaced a Black-owned barbershop in Niles, Michigan with racially motivated graffiti.
The suspect was arraigned yesterday on charges of felony hate crime and malicious destruction of property according to the Niles Police Department.
In August 2025, the In The Cut Barbershop was vandalized with the N-word spray painted on the wall of the business which drew public condemnation from the Mayor of Niles and other community leaders. The barbershop used to be frequented by the late American Muslim hero Muhammad Ali.
SEE: Racist graffiti at southwest Michigan barbershop leads to hate crime charges (Mlive)
SEE: Niles barbershop targeted in hateful graffiti, rallies community support (WSBT 22)
In a statement, CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid said:
“We welcome the hate crime and malicious destruction of property charges in the vandalism of the Niles barbershop owned and frequented by Black Americans. It is truly troubling that the current socio-political climate in America helps fuel such hateful actions of racism.”
Walid also urged community leaders to use their platforms to emphasize the shared humanity of all residents of Michigan and speak against those who attempt to pit people against each other based upon race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, and gender.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, 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: CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid, 248-842-1418, dwalid@cair.com; CAIR Lead Staff Attorney Amy Doukoure, 586-943-8823, adoukoure@cair.com