(Seattle, WA, 2/15/2024) — The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, welcomes a hate crime investigation into a recent attack in Seattle.

According to the Seattle Police Department and the UW Police Department, around 10 am on Monday, February 12 in the University District of Seattle, a woman was assaulted at knifepoint and had her hijab forcibly removed and stolen.

“The victim of this attack was at work when she was subjected to not only a hate assault, but a form of sexual assault as her hijab was ripped off by the attacker.” said Imraan Siddiqi, CAIR-WA’s executive director. “We thank the Seattle Police Department for their communication during this traumatic time and hope that the perpetrator will be swiftly brought to justice.”

Since early October, there has been a sharp rise in anti-Muslim attacks nationally, in response to Israel’s aggression against Gaza. Based on the statements made by the attacker to the victim, the growing Islamophobic narratives surrounding world events played a role in this attack.

CAIR-WA reminds community members to stay vigilant, to contact law enforcement if they experience hate or harassment, and to contact CAIR-WA if they need any legal or advocacy assistance.

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CAIR-WA welcomes a hate crime investigation and hopes for swift justice for the victim of this upsetting attack.

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, 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.

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CONTACT:
CAIR-WA Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi, imraansiddiqi@cair.com
CAIR-WA Senior Communications and Marketing Strategist Katie Walker, 425-367-9116, kwalker@cair.com