CAIR Asks FBI to Probe Kentucky Anti-Arab Hate Vandalism

'Hate Arab,' 'Go Home' spray-painted on Arab-American's store

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on the FBI and local law enforcement authorities to investigate vandalism, which included spray-painted graffiti stating "Hate Arab" and "Go Home," at a Arab-American's store in Kentucky.

CAIR said the extensive vandalism at the store owned by an Iraqi immigrant in Shepherdsville, Ky., was discovered Sunday evening. "Hate Arab" was spray-painted on the floor, while "Go Home" was painted on the wall.

Video: Vandals Spray-Paint 'Hate Arab,' 'Go Home' on Kentucky Store
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q6tYI4mUaU

Video: Police Investigating Hate Crime in Shepherdsville
http://tinyurl.com/6n224wn

"The apparent bias motive for the destruction of this business should be investigated and the perpetrators must be brought to justice," said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.

Hooper said CAIR has contacted the FBI about this case and about a fire Wednesday that destroyed a construction site for a Muslim cemetery and funeral home in Nevada. The cause of that blaze is still under investigation.

NV: Authorities Investigate Fire at Muslim Funeral Home Construction Site
http://tinyurl.com/6uxooqe

Last month, CAIR called law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for vandalism targeting a mosque under construction in Virginia.

Video: Vandals Cause $60K in Damage to Virginia Mosque (CAIR)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKi0pUZW3a4

Also last month, CAIR's Ohio office reported that a fire at a Muslim family's home in that state was determined to be arson and is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

CAIR-OH: 'Suspicious' Arson Leaves Students in Cold
http://tinyurl.com/7jaktz5

Video: Fire at Ohio Muslim Family's Home was Arson (CAIR)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOegTKszz7I  

CAIR is asking members of the Muslim community to review security procedures using advice contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

SEE: CAIR Muslim Community Safety Kit
http://www.cair.com/ActionCenter/CommunityToolKit.aspx

A number of recent reports have documented the growth and promotion of Islamophobia nationwide.

CAIR: Same Hate, New Target
http://tinyurl.com/66enzm8  

Center for American Progress: Fear, Inc.
http://tinyurl.com/7cozjxg  

Southern Poverty Law Center: Jihad Against Islam
http://tinyurl.com/3qsv2v8  

People for the American Way: The Right-Wing Playbook on Anti-Muslim Extremism
http://tinyurl.com/6j9fttw  

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 National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations