CAIR, CAIR-Arizona Demand Criminal Probe, Firing of Officers Involved in 2017 Killing of Black Muslim Man
Video shows officer saying, 'Allah? He's not going to help you right now,' as Muhammad Muhaymin Jr. was being pinned down with knee on his neck
PHOENIX, Aug. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Arizona chapter (CAIR-Arizona) today demanded a transparent and independent criminal investigation and the firing of officers involved in the 2017 killing of Muhammad Muhaymin Jr., a Black Muslim man.
Newly-revealed body camera video shows 43-year-old Muhaymin pinned down by Phoenix police officers, with one officer putting his knee on Muhaymin's neck in a manner similar to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn.
In the video, Muhaymin can be heard saying "I can't breathe" many times. "Please, Allah," Muhaymin says in the video. "Allah? He's not going to help you right now," one of the officers responds. An officer off camera is heard saying: "I don't feel a pulse." Another officer responds, "Oh, he's dead," before turning off his camera.
None of the officers involved in Muhaymin's death have ever been arrested or charged. All are still employed by the Phoenix Police Department.
SEE: Police Mocked Black Man's Muslim Faith as They Killed Him, New Footage Shows
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/newly-released-footage-shows-police-mocking-black-mans-faith-before-he-was-killed_n_5f3e94a2c5b6dd14014b3d51
"It is clear from this horrifying video that criminal charges must be brought against those involved in the killing of Muhammad Muhaymin Jr.," said CAIR-AZ Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi. "The disturbing similarity of this case to the killing of George Floyd is yet another tragic example of why systemic reform is needed throughout police departments nationwide."
"The only thing more disturbing than footage of police officers mocking and murdering a mentally ill man is the fact that these officers have not been fired or charged in the three years since this horrific incident happened," said CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell. "It is not too late to pursue justice for Mr. Muhaymin and his loved ones. The City of Phoenix should fire the officers involved and arrange for an independent criminal investigation into the officers."
Mitchell said Washington, D.C.-based CAIR and the American Muslim community are standing in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and white supremacy.
SEE: CAIR-Minnesota, Police Accountability Groups to Call for Firing of Minneapolis Police Federation Head Bob Kroll
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-minnesota-police-accountability-groups-to-call-for-firing-of-minneapolis-police-federation-head-bob-kroll/
Video: CAIR Director Nihad Awad Speaks at Unveiling of Black Lives Matter Banner
https://youtu.be/-JqzmtVqORc
CAIR-Arizona is a chapter of America's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its 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.
CONTACT: CAIR-AZ Civil Rights Director Ahmed Soussi, 480-704-3786, [email protected]; CAIR-AZ Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]
SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
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