(WASHINGTON D.C., 11/23/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to launch a hate crime investigation into a possibly bias-motivated arson fire at an interracial family’s home in Tennessee.
On Nov. 1, the family’s house in Ripley, Tenn., was reduced to rubble in a fire that started while the family was on vacation. The Ripley Fire Department reportedly found the words “n***** lover” spray-painted on the wall of the pool behind the house. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is investigating the incident and have called it “suspicious.” It is not yet known if they are investigating the fire as a hate crime.
SEE: Tennessee Interracial Couple’s House Burned to the Ground in ‘Suspicious’ Fire After ‘N*gger Lover’ Spray-Painted on Pool Wall
TBI investigates Ripley house fire after racial slur found spray-painted on pool wall
“A possible bias motive for this disturbing incident must be investigated by state and federal authorities,” said CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison. “Violence prompted by racist hate is on the rise nationwide, and it is essential that incidents like this are taken seriously by law enforcement.”
Allison said the American Muslim community and CAIR stand in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy and all other forms of bigotry.
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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 National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com