CAIR Asks FBI to Probe Firebomb Attack on Fla. Muslim Family
(TAMPA, FL, 8/15/12) -- The Council on American-Islamic
Relations (CAIR) today called for an FBI hate crime investigation of a
alleged firebomb attack on a Muslim family's home in that state.
CAIR said a Muslim family of South Asian origin in Panama City, Fla., reported that a firebomb or "Molotov cocktail"
was thrown at their house at about 3:45 a.m. Wednesday. The occupants
heard a "thump" and went outside to find a 4-foot-wide fire burning
under the father's bedroom window.
Family members tell CAIR that the firebomb had apparently been
thrown at the father's window but missed the target. The fire was
extinguished with a hose. Five adults, some of whom wear Islamic head
scarves, were home at the time. Local police and the state fire marshal
are investigating. CAIR has contacted the FBI to ask for a hate crime
investigation.
"Any time the home of a family belonging to an ethnic or
religious minority is attacked in this manner, it is necessary to
investigate a possible bias motive," said CAIR National Communications
Director Ibrahim Hooper.
Hooper said this incident is just one of a number of recent
apparent hate attacks targeting American Muslims and their institutions
nationwide.
SEE: Eight Attacks, 11 Days (Salon)
CAIR: Arson, Vandalism at Mosques Not Uncommon (Joplin Globe)
Earlier this week, CAIR's Chicago office reported an acid bomb
attack on a Muslim school. On Saturday, CAIR also reported that air
rifle shots were fired at the outer wall of the Muslim Education Center
(MEC) mosque in Morton Grove, Ill.
CAIR-Chicago: Islamic Groups Alarmed by Suburban Incidents
CAIR-Chicago: Gov. Quinn "Saddened" By Violence Directed Toward Muslims
CAIR's Oklahoma chapter called on state and federal law
enforcement authorities to investigate a paintball attack on an Oklahoma
mosque as a hate crime.
Video: Vandals Shoot Paintballs at OKC Mosque
Vandals Fire Paintballs at Oklahoma City Mosque (AP)
Last week, CAIR's national headquarters issued a community
safety advisory for American mosques following other incidents targeting
Muslim houses of worship in Missouri and Rhode Island and after the
deadly shooting attack on the Sikh temple.
SEE: CAIR Issues Safety Advisory After Another Mosque Targeted
In one incident, a Missouri mosque previously targeted by an arsonist burned to the ground.
Video: CAIR-St. Louis to Join Interfaith, Civil Rights Leaders in Supporting Burned Mosque
In California, pig legs were left at a Southern California
mosque and four teens face hate crime charges for harassing worshipers
at a northern California mosque.
Video: CAIR-LA Asks DOJ to Launch Hate Crime Probe of Pig Legs Left at Mosque Site
Video: 4 Teens Arrested for Hate Crimes Against Calif. Mosque
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.