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"Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio, languishing far behind
Democratic front-runner Andrew Cuomo, needs something to shake up the race. How
about anti-Islamic sentiment? Yes, that will do."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAIR: Calif. Muslim Called 'Raghead,' Assaulted by July 4th Revelers
CAIR-LA, ISCN thank law enforcement and urge hate crime probe of incident
(ANAHEIM, CA, 7/7/10) -- The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today reported that a Muslim volunteer
staffing an information booth outside an Inland Empire mosque was allegedly
assaulted by two revelers on their way to a July 4th fireworks show. CAIR-LA is
urging local law enforcement authorities and the FBI to investigate the
incident as a possible hate crime.
The alleged victim, who is a Navy reservist, reported to CAIR-LA that he was
staffing a booth in front of the Islamic Society of Corona-Norco (ISCN) on
Sunday evening to answer questions about Islam and Muslims from people passing
by to attend the city’s fireworks display at Santana Park. The booth included a
sign stating, "Ask a Muslim." Members of the mosque were also distributing
bottled water to those attending the city’s fireworks show -- as had been the
mosque’s custom in the past.
According to the Muslim victim, one of two men who were walking toward the park
saw the booth and yelled, "This is bulls**t." The Muslim volunteer replied,
"I’ll answer any questions that you have." That reply was allegedly met with,
"I’m going to knock you out." According to eyewitness accounts, both men
charged at the mosque volunteer and punched him in the face.
When one of the assailants was arrested, he reportedly suggested that the
arresting officer "kick out" all the "ragheads."
"It is extremely troubling to see an American allegedly targeted for his
religious beliefs during a celebration honoring our nation’s historic values of
pluralism and equality," said CAIR-LA Civil Rights Manager Affad Shaikh. "We
thank the Corona Police Department for taking swift action and urge local,
state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate this incident as a
possible hate crime."
ISCN Outreach Committee Chairman Yousuf Bhaghani said: "The mosque and its
growing congregation have made many positive contributions to the Inland Empire
area and to see one of its members treated this way is disheartening. We thank
the Corona police department for taking immediate action and call on them and
the Riverside County District Attorney’s office to investigate this incident as
a potential hate crime and hope that the perpetrator will be prosecuted to the
fullest extent of the law."
He also noted that some 50 members of the mosque had participated in the city’s
12th Annual Hometown U.S.A. parade a day earlier.
CAIR-LA is urging American Muslim individuals and institutions to review advice
on security procedures contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its
mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect
civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote
justice and mutual understanding.
- END -
CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Munira Syeda, 714-776-1847 or
714-851-4851; E-mail: i...@losangeles.cair.com; CAIR National Communications
Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: ihoo...@cair.com;
CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171,
E-Mail: aru...@cair.com
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