CAIR-NJ Welcomes Charges for Man Who Allegedly Rammed Vehicle of Muslim Woman, Shouted ‘You’re a Terrorist’
CAIR-NJ Welcomes Charges for Man Who Allegedly Rammed Vehicle of Muslim Woman, Shouted ‘You’re a Terrorist’
(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 5/5/2020) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today welcomed charges brought by Essex County prosecutors against a man who allegedly rammed his SUV into the occupied vehicle of a Muslim woman and her son.
According to a Nutley Township police report, on May 21, 2020, Michael Morrison, 55, attacked the victim while at a Carvel in Nutley, N.J. While inside the Carvel, Morrison allegedly yelled, “You’re a terrorist”, and “I’m going to kill you” at the victim, and her 16 year-old-son.
After exiting the Carvel and driving away from the facility, Morrison reportedly proceeded to follow the victim in his SUV and purposefully crash into the driver’s side of the victim’s vehicle while she remained parked at a stop sign. Morrison allegedly then fled the scene. Later that evening Nutley Police arrested of Morrison at his home.
Essex County is charging Morrison with:
- 2 counts of Aggravated Assault with deadly weapon (second degree crime)
- Terroristic threats (third degree crime)
- Bias Intimidation (first degree crime)
- Possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose (third degree crime)
- Unlawful possession of a weapon (fourth degree crime)
SEE: Nutley Man ‘Rammed’ Vehicle After Incident at Business: PD
https://patch.com/new-jersey/
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“We welcome the charges brought against the alleged attacker and appreciate the Nutley Police Department’s quick and professional response. We expect that local, state and federal law enforcement authorities make this and all hate crimes a priority.
“Horrific acts of violence like this remind us of the rise in Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry in our nation, and the importance of condemning hatred whenever and wherever we see it. Tolerating this type of evil will only lead to more violence against minority communities. It is the responsibility of government officials and law enforcement to proactively speak out against bigotry, letting the people of New Jersey know that Islamophobia is not welcomed in our state.”
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.
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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.
