The Sacramento Valley chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV) on November 29 called on the FBI to investigate a possible bias motive for an attack on a Sikh taxi driver who was attacked after apparently being mistaken for a Muslim. CAIR-SV reported that the driver was severely injured after being attacked by two men he picked up in his taxi. He reportedly told his attackers, “I’m not Muslim.” One of the attackers allegedly shouted expletives and called the driver “Osama Bin Laden,” in apparent reference to the turban worn by Sikh men.
“No American should fear attack merely for being perceived to be Muslim,” said CAIR-SV Civil Rights Coordinator Adel Syed. “The FBI and local law enforcement authorities should investigate whether this disturbing crime was motivated by anti-Muslim hate and then bring appropriate charges when and if the perpetrators are apprehended.” On November 28, CAIR’s Washington state chapter called on the FBI and state law enforcement authorities to step up protection for the region’s Muslim community after an intentionally-set fire damaged a mosque in Oregon.