(WASHINGTON D.C., 8/2/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today joined the call for stepped up charges against a Vermont man who allegedly harassed and attacked a Black woman in a road rage incident and condemned the distribution of Ku Klux Klan (KKK) flyers in Wise County, Va.
On June 29, Winooski, Vt. resident Tyler Gibbs was reportedly driving down a local street when a white pickup pulled up next to her vehicle. The driver of the pickup rolled down his window and began harassing the woman, reportedly asking “if Black lives matter, why are your people always under mine?” Gibbs, who is African-American, tried to get away from the assailant and began driving back to her house. The assailant followed her to the location, where he continued yelling racist statements at her. He reportedly jerked his car toward Gibbs twice in an attempt to hit her.
The assailant has been charged with four misdemeanors, aggravated disorderly conduct, stalking, negligent driving and disorderly conduct with a hate crime attached. If charged, he could face about 5 years in jail. A police officer who responded to the incident recommended the assailant be charged with felony aggravated assault, which carries a higher penalty.
SEE: Victim of Racist Road-Rage Incident in Winooski Questions Low-Level Charges
https://vtdigger.org/2021/07/31/victim-of-racist-road-rage-incident-in-winooski-questions-low-level-charges/
Yesterday morning, residents of Virginia’s Wise County found KKK flyers on their yards, doors, and mailboxes. The flyers included messages opposing critical race theory and Antifa and calling for the preservation of a constitutional republic and the electoral college. They also urged readers to “pray for White Americans.”
Ku Klux Klan Spreads Flyers in Wise County
“As a society, we must push back strongly every time we witness the manifestations of racism and white supremacy,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “Indifference to bigotry results in an atmosphere in which the bigots falsely believe they are in the majority.”
Hooper 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.
SEE: CAIR-MN Calls for Probe of Possible Bias Motive for Vandalism Targeting Mankato Islamic Center Worshiper’s Vehicle
SEE: BREAKING: CAIR-Minnesota Calls on FBI to Probe Potential Threat After Learning Mosque Vandal was Associated with Hate Group
SEE: CAIR-Colorado Condemns Possible Hate Crime Shooting Targeting Iraqi Immigrants’ Home
CAIR’s 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.
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CONTACT: CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com