WASHINGTON, DC — The following is a statement from Madihha Ahussain, Muslim Advocates’ special counsel for anti-Muslim bigotry, on the apparent anti-Muslim vehicular attack in Sunnyvale, California:

“Our hearts go out to all the victims of this appalling attack and we hope for the full recovery of the 13-year-old-girl who remains in critical condition. We also call on federal and state law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate this crime and give full consideration to hate crime charges.

According to the police, the perpetrator targeted the victims because he thought that they were Muslim. This horrific act, unfortunately, is just the latest example of an ongoing epidemic of anti-Muslim violence. Tragedies like the mosque massacres in Christchurch, New Zealand; the fatal shooting of Mustafa Ayoubi in Indiana; and even dishonest and inciteful comments from President Trump and other critics of prominent American Muslims show that anti-Muslim bigotry is real and has serious and deadly consequences for all Americans.

Thankfully, California has a hate crime law on the books to help prevent future attacks and help provide justice to the victims of this attack and to their families. It’s shocking that some states lack a meaningful hate crime law and we urge lawmakers in those states to enact one immediately. Further, as we head into a heated election season, we call on leaders in both parties to forcefully denounce all instances of anti-Muslim bigotry to ensure that what happened in Sunnyvale does not happen again.”

Muslim Advocates is a national civil rights organization working in the courts, in the halls of power and in communities to halt bigotry in its tracks. We ensure that American Muslims have a seat at the table with expert representation so that all Americans may live free from hate and discrimination.

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