(ANAHEIM, CA – 9/23/2022) – The Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today welcomed a hate crime charge brought against a suspect following an alleged anti-Latino attack in Westminster, Calif.
A man was arrested on suspicion of civil rights violations, attempted murder, and attempted arson after he reportedly attacked a man with anti-Latino slurs and gasoline on Sept. 21. The alleged attacker reportedly made “derogatory comments” about Latino people, threw a cup of gasoline on the alleged victim, and tried to light him on fire.
SEE: California man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, hate crime after allegedly trying to set a man on fire
“We welcome the hate crime charge in this case as an indication that targeting minority communities with bigotry and violence will not be tolerated,” said CAIR-CA Chief Executive Officer Hussam Ayloush.
He said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Social & Digital Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 776-1847 or eelkadi@cair.com