(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/4/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned alleged racist harassment and assault targeting Spanish-speaking customers at a gas station in Aurora, Colo.
Aurora police are looking for a man suspected of dousing a group of people in gasoline and trying to set them on fire. The people were reportedly speaking Spanish, and the man reportedly told them they “don’t belong here” before following them to their car and spraying them with gasoline. The man allegedly tried to find a lighter to set them on fire before throwing a rock through the back window and stealing their keys.
Aurora police released a photo of the suspect and have asked anyone who recognizes him or his vehicle to call 303.627.1661 or email [email protected].
SEE: Police: Man poured gasoline, tried to light victims on fire in possible hate crime
“This appalling attack reminds us of the serious danger posed by violent bigotry,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “We urge law enforcement authorities to be thorough in their investigation and we stand in solidarity with the victims of this act of hate.”
He said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, 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 Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]