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CAIR calls for hate crime investigation after Muslim woman said she was attacked in Milwaukee
CAIR calls for hate crime investigation after Muslim woman said she was attacked in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling for a hate crime investigation after a Muslim woman in Milwaukee said she was beaten. CAIR said the incidents are part of “almost daily” attacks on American Muslims and other minority groups nationwide in recent months.
“We are concerned about the almost daily hate incidents targeting American Muslims and members of other minority and faith communities, and about the lack of a response from national political leaders,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper in a statement to FOX6 News. “Our leaders, and particularly those in policy-making positions, need to speak out against the exploitation of increasing divisions in American society that inevitably results in such incidents.”
She said it happened Monday, April 10th near 13th and Layton as she was walking home from prayer around 6:00 a.m.
The victim said she was released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon.
"I said to myself, 'I am going to die today for sure.' So he gets up from the car and told me to come here," said the woman who was attacked.
Muslim woman allegedly attacked on Milwaukee's south side
The woman, who did not want her identity to be shared, said a car pulled up alongside her.
"And one man came from a car," she said.
She said that man wanted only one thing: to remove the woman's hijab, or head scarf.
"He said to take my hijab, my scarf. I tried to fight him. 'Don't take my hijab,' you know? So he threw me on the floor then he beat me like an animal," said the victim.
The attacker was able to pull the scarf off, she said. Blood stains remained on it Tuesday:
Muslim woman allegedly attacked on Milwaukee's south side
The woman said her attacker threw her to the sidewalk, and then stepped down on her head repeatedly. She described him taking out a knife to cut her jacket and her arm.
Muslim woman allegedly attacked on Milwaukee's south side
"Certainly we're scared for our community members. As an Islamic community, we want to make sure our community is always safe. The initial reaction is shock," said Munjed Ahmad with the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.
Munjed Ahmad
Those at the Islamic Center were set to discuss having security patrols on nearby streets, saying they believe this to be a hate crime.
"Nothing was stolen. There was no robbery. Her valuables remain with her. The only motive we can think of -- because everything stayed with her and this individual went straight for her scarf is a hate crime," said Ahmad.
The victim somehow made it home. That's where she said she had a seizure and was taken to the hospital. She said during the beating, the attacker was calling her names and swearing at her.
Police said they are investigating and there is no suspect in custody at this time.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee County Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic echoed CAIR's calls for a hate crime investigation, saying the below in a statement:
Milwaukee County Supervisor Jason Haas issued this statement:
Voces de la Frontera officials issued this statement:
The Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee issued this statement:
Senator Chris Larson and Rep. Jonathan Brostoff are calling on the Wisconsin Legislature to take action, issuing this joint statement:
Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.