(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/22/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the sentencing of a man who shot to death a Muslim in Indiana in 2019.
Dustin E. Passarelli of Plainfield, Ind., has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for shooting and killing Muslim 32-year-old Mustafa Ayoubi in Indianapolis after a road rage incident during which he made anti-Muslim remarks. Passarelli reportedly followed Ayoubi off Interstate 465, and a verbal altercation took place. Witnesses said he made several Islamophobic remarks, including “Go back to your country,” and used hate speech before opening fire.
SEE: Army veteran sentenced to 55 years for road rage shooting death of Muslim man | AP News
“We welcome the sentencing in this disturbing case and ask God to grant solace to Mr. Ayoubi’s family and loved ones,” said CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell. “These crimes happen too often, and it is essential that they be taken seriously and prosecuted by law enforcement.”
He noted that CAIR welcomed that conviction of Passarelli in May.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Conviction in Deadly 2019 Shooting of Indiana Muslim by Man Who Shouted Islamophobic Slurs
Earlier this year, CAIR’s issued, “Progress in the Shadow of Prejudice: CAIR 2022 Civil Rights Report,” showing similar nationwide trends: a 23 percent decrease in total calls but a 63 percent increase in complaints about school incidents.
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 Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com, CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com