(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/31/2019) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate 14 bullets shot at an Indianapolis, Ind., home as a possible hate crime.
The homeowner that the shooting is the latest in a series of possibly bias-motivated incidents. Last year, a sign put up by the homeowner stating, “We stand with American Muslims,” was damaged. He added, “People yell the N-word, and they throw objects from their car at me.”
SEE: Over a Dozen Bullets Fired at Indianapolis Home Could be Considered a Hate Crime
“There is a toxic atmosphere of othering promoted by our nation’s top elected and public officials that often leads individuals to act on their biases,” said CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ayan Ajeen. “Because of this, we urge local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to treat these incidents as possibly bias-motivated attacks.”
Ajeen added CAIR has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president. She noted that Indiana’s Hate Crime Law includes increased sentencing for bias-motivated crimes.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Minnesota State Fair Mass Shooting Threat Targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar
CAIR Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Harassment Targeting Migrant Workers in Vermont
Earlier this year, CAIR welcomed murder charges brought against the man who allegedly shot to death an Indiana Muslim, reportedly while shouting Islamophobic slurs.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Murder Charges in Deadly Shooting of Indiana Muslim by Man Shouting Islamophobic Slurs
CAIR is 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.
On November 9, CAIR will hold its 25th anniversary gala in Washington, D.C.
SEE: CAIR’S 25th Annual Gala
https://www.cair.com/25th_anniversary_banquet
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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ayan Ajeen, 202-774-0770, aajeen@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com
