Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes in Chicago 
Pacifica Radio 
April 11, 2005 

Interview with Solange Etcheverriez
Pacifica Radio Host 

Listen Here 

Ahmed Rehab talks to Flashpoints’ Solange Etcheverriez on Pacifica National Radio about anti-Muslim hate crimes in Chicago. He argues that the public discourse on Islam in this country is problematic as it only defines and analyzes Islam and Muslims through their perceived problem areas while hardly ever recognizing the many positive realities of their daily lives. This perpetual intertwinement between Islam and violent conflict – whether it be terrorism or wars – as reported through the media leaves a negative imprint on the minds of audiences which can induce contempt in the hearts of the susceptible and, in turn, possibly evolve into discriminative activity or even hate crimes against Muslims. 

April, 2004

WKMG in Florida reports on what happened to the owner of a jewelry kiosk at a mall in Tampa

[S]he was physically and verbally assaulted by three people who told her to “get out of (America)” and said her religion is “hateful and violent.” … During the assault, one of the attackers allegedly grabbed the victim’s throat and attempted to remove her head scarf. The perpetrators fled when the victim ran to find mall security officers.

March, 2008

A clerk at the Conoco gas station near West 85th Street and Quivira Road told police a man came into the store around 8 p.m. while a friend waited outside.

Police said the Molotov cocktail fizzled before it made it into the store and nothing caught on fire. 

There were three customers inside the store at the time in addition to the clerk, but no one was hurt. 

Witnesses said the two men jumped into a car and drove away. 

As officers investigated the scene, a similar incident occurred at a convenience store in the 7700 block of Quivira Road. 

Steven Christen Brettell, 26, of Lenexa, was charged with attempted aggravated arson and felony criminal damage to property in connection with the incidents.

The man went to buy something and, while at the counter, asked the clerk if he was Muslim. When the clerk replied that he was, the man started harassing him, the clerk said. 

Shortly after the man left the store, a brick then a Molotov cocktail were thrown through the front glass window of the store.

 
Earlier this week, CAIR’s Minnesota chapter asked the FBI to 
investigate reported threats against the Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy charter school 
in that state as possible hate crimes. 

SEE: Muslim Civil Liberties Group Seeks FBI Probe of School 
Threats (Star Tribune) 
http://www.startribune.com/local/17673284.html 

The Kansas assault and the 
threats to the Minnesota school came following 
other recent incidents such as a fire-bomb attack on a Minnesota Muslim-owned 
business and an arson attack on a Tennessee 
mosque by three members of the white-supremacist “Christian Identity” 
movement. 

SEE: MN: Investigators Say Fire Could Be Hate Crime 
http://www.cair.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?ArticleID=24208&&name=n&&currPage=1&&Active=1 

SEE ALSO: CAIR Applauds Arrests in TN Mosque Arson 
http://www.cair.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?ArticleID=24197&&name=n&&currPage=1&&Active=1 

CAIR is urging Muslim individuals and institutions 
nationwide to review security procedures using advice contained in CAIR’s 
“Muslim Community Safety Kit.” 

SEE: CAIR Muslim Community Safety Kit 
http://www.cair.com/ActionCenter/CommunityToolKit.aspx 

CAIR, America’s 
largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide 
and in Canada. 
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. 

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim 
Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Strategic 
Communications Director Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166, E-Mail: arehab@cair.com;
CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: 
arubin@cair.com