CAIR-NJ Calls on FBI to Probe Death Threat Targeting Family of Muslim Congressional Candidate
CAIR-NJ Calls on FBI to Probe Death Threat Targeting Family of Muslim Congressional Candidate
(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 4/22/2020) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today called on state law enforcement authorities and the FBI to probe a death threat targeting the family of Muslim congressional candidate Amani al-Khatahtbeh.
On the evening of April 21, Al-Khatahtbeh reportedly received a phone call from an unknown number threatening to kill her and her family. She received the threat shortly after a virtual town hall she hosted on Instagram.
The caller said in part: “Your parents live at [address]. I will f**king kill them and. . .I will torture them and feed them bacon and f**king pork…As soon as you get off the phone, I’ll f**king go to his house…“Ni**er, you’re Muslim, you f**king ugly Arab Muslim. You terrorist.”
LISTEN TO DEATH THREAT: https://twitter.com/
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“The chilling death threat exemplifies how Muslim candidates are especially targeted during election cycles.
“We know Islamophobia follows election cycles and is often exacerbated and amplified by the negative rhetoric of political leaders.
“At a time in which our nation is facing an alarming rise in xenophobia, Islamophobia and racism, it is sadly no surprise to see such horrific calls. These death threats have become all too common for Muslim candidates, but we must not allow ourselves to be numbed by their frequency.
“Political leaders must denounce such hatred in order to protect the safety of Muslim Americans and all minority communities.”
Last year, CAIR welcomed the arrest of a New York man for threatening to assault and kill Rep. Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-American Muslim Congresswoman.
Video: CAIR-NY Welcomes Arrest of Man Who Threatened to Kill Rep. Ilhan Omar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Earlier this year, CAIR launched its annual non-partisan “Muslims Vote” campaign designed to empower American Muslims by increasing their political capacity and presence in the 2020 General Election.
SEE: CAIR Launches 2020 ‘Muslims Vote’ Campaign with Release of Candidate Questionnaire, Calendar of Election Dates
CAIR, Jetpac, MPower Change: 38 American Muslim Candidates Win in Nov. 5 Elections for Total of 47 Muslims Elected in 2019
The Washington-based civil rights organization has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Trump’s ‘Divisive and Insulting’ Attempt to Target American Muslims During COVID-19 Pandemic
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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.
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