San Diego Muslims condemn hate crime against three women in hijab

Muslim Leadership Council urges the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2019

The Muslim Leadership Council of San Diego (www.mlcsd.org) an umbrella organization representing over 20 Muslim organizations based in San Diego today condemned the attack in downtown San Diego on the three Muslim women wearing Hijabs. MLC welcomes law enforcement’s decision to book the attacker on three counts of battery, three counts of violating the state hate crime law and one count of possessing a firearm silencer.

The incident happened around 12:45 p.m, Sunday in San Diego’s Little Italy. According to witnesses, 50-year-old Kyle Allen lunged his shoulder into one of the women while walking in their direction followed by swinging his fist at the women and pulling their hijabs. The attacker was in possession of a handgun with silencer when police arrested him at his apartment.

‘”It is important that people of conscience, elected officials and religious leaders speak out against the incendiary rhetoric that apparently motivates these kind of hate crimes throughout the nation,” said Mr. Tareq Purmul, Chairman of MLCSD Board. “We must strive harder against racism and bigotry in all their forms and at all times,” added Mr. Purmul.

MLC has noted with gratitude the continued support of concerned citizens and allies, with whom we continue to work for a better future for ourselves and all of our children.The Muslim Leadership Council of San Diego is a coalition of the Muslim non-profit institutions and organizations in San Diego County striving to serve and benefit our community.

The constituent organizations of the Muslim Leadership Council of San Diego are as follows: Islamic Center of San Diego, Muslim American Society San Diego chapter, Council on American-Islamic Relations-San Diego chapter, Somali Family Services, Masjid Taqwa, Muslim Community Center of San Diego, Islamic Center of Eastlake, Islamic Community Center, Muslim Community Services of San Diego, We Love Our Neighbors, IQRAA Academy of San Diego, Masjid As Salaam, North County Islamic Foundation, Pillars of The Community San Diego, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, ICNA Relief, Latina Muslim Foundation, Huda Community Center, United Women of East Africa, PAASAND.

References:

● https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/san-diego-news/san-diego-police-alleged-attack-on-3-women-in-hijabs-a-possible-hate-crime

● https://www.huffpost.com/entry/man-who-beat-slapped-and-pulled-womens-hijab-charged-with-a-hate-crime_n_5d9e19c4e4b06ddfc512adf6

CONTACT:Muslim Leadership Council of San Diego

Phone: 858-247-2396

Email: info@mlcsd.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlcsd/