CAIR: Hate Crimes in MA, NY Follow Boston Bombings

Rights group urges Muslims, Islamic institutions to review safety procedures

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said hate incidents in Massachusetts and New York occurred following the deadly bombings at the Boston Marathon.

CAIR reports that a mother of Middle Eastern heritage wearing an Islamic headscarf, or hijab, was assaulted yesterday morning in Malden, Mass., by a white male shouting anti-Muslim slurs.

The victim told CAIR the attack occurred when she was walking with another Muslim woman also wearing hijab, while both were pushing baby strollers. She said the alleged attacker shouted, "F*** you, f*** Muslims, you are terrorists," and struck her forcefully on the shoulder. The man, who appeared to be in his 30s, also reportedly made statements blaming Muslims for the Boston Marathon bombings.

Local police were on the scene within minutes after the woman called 911 on her cell phone. CAIR has been in communication with the Malden Police Department about the attack.

SEE: Police Keep Watch Over Area Muslims
http://tinyurl.com/dydtyca

"We thank the Malden Police Department for its swift and professional response to this incident and urge national law enforcement authorities to be aware of the potential for other such attacks," said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. "American Muslims, along with all other Americans, are grieving the tragic deaths in Boston. Hate incidents are troubling, but have thankfully been isolated."

In a second incident, a Bangladeshi man was beaten hours after the Boston Marathon bombing by attackers who called him "a f**king Arab." The victim was punched in the head and body, resulting in a dislocated shoulder.

SEE: Bangladeshi Man Beaten in 'Revenge Attack' Over Boston Marathon Bombings
http://tinyurl.com/cgsob5f

Immediately after the Boston bombings, CAIR issued a call for prayers and blood donations for the victims.

SEE: CAIR Urges Prayers, Blood Donations for Boston Bomb Victims
http://tinyurl.com/d7dypz2

Hooper said CAIR is urging Muslim individuals and Islamic institutions to review advice on security procedures contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

SEE: CAIR Muslim Community Safety Kit
http://tinyurl.com/cmam364   

CAIR: U.S. Muslims Mobilize to Prevent Boston Backlash
http://tinyurl.com/cd4cweo  

CAIR-CT: Muslims Concerned About Profiling After Boston Bombings
http://tinyurl.com/bv83sdh   

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 Manager Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)