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CAIR-OK Seeks Bias Probe of Shooting Attack on Muslim Family's Home

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., Feb. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today called on state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate a possible bias motive for an alleged drive-by shooting attack last night on a Muslim family's home in Oklahoma City.

CAIR-OK said a Muslim family of Iranian origin reported that multiple shots from an apparently high-caliber weapon or weapons hit the walls and windows of their home just after 8 p.m. last night. The attack occurred just days after the family's son was approached by an individual who asked him about his religion.

A sign in front of the family's home shows a mosque and an Arabic inscription of the Muslim greeting "as-salaamu alaykum," or "peace be to you."

No one was hurt in the shooting and police are investigating. CAIR-OK has contacted the Oklahoma City Police Department's Criminal Intent Unit and asked for a hate crime investigation.

"Any time the home of a family belonging to an ethnic or religious minority is attacked in a potentially deadly manner, it is only prudent to investigate a possible bias motive," said CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani .

Soltani said this incident comes following a rise in hate attacks targeting American Muslims and their institutions in the second half of 2012.

SEE: Eight Attacks, 11 Days (Salon)
http://www.salon.com/2012/08/14/eight_attacks_11_days/
CAIR: Arson, Vandalism at Mosques Not Uncommon (Joplin Globe)
http://tinyurl.com/c4qw4w3

Just this week, CAIR's Texas chapter welcomed stepped-up protection for Muslims taking part in yesterday's "Texas Muslim Capitol Day" at the state Capitol in Austin. Apparent threats targeting the event had been made on a notorious anti-Islam hate blog.

Video: Security Heightened at Capitol Following Threats to Muslims (CAIR-TX)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqiRHH3gJcA
Video: Security Increased After Texas Muslims Report Threats (CAIR)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF5cVUT8sc8

In August 2012, CAIR-OK called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a paintball attack on a mosque in that state as a hate crime.

Video: Vandals Shoot Paintballs at OKC Mosque
http://tinyurl.com/9yddhpr

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.

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CONTACT: CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani , 405-248-5853, E-Mail: asoltani@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper , 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations