The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the allegedly brutal, unprovoked attack at a VFW in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, and calls on the district attorney’s office to ensure a comprehensive investigation, including examining whether the attack was racially motivated.
According to reports, Preston Coleman was the only Black patron in the bar at the time of the brutal attack, which was captured on surveillance footage. The police identified the alleged attacker as Brett Ours, while other patrons failed to intervene or call for help until after Ours fled the scene.
SEE: Father in coma after vicious attack at VFW in Aliquippa
In a statement, CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed said:
“The possibly bias-motivated assault on Preston Coleman is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked racism and the dehumanization of Black lives. The reported inaction of those present is as alarming as the violence itself, and we call on authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident as a potential hate crime.
“We stand in solidarity with Mr. Coleman’s family and urge the community to demand accountability, justice, and meaningful actions to combat the systemic racism that enables such heinous acts. No one should feel unsafe simply because of the color of their skin.”
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 Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed, 412-606-3601, [email protected]