(Seattle, WA, 10/3/2017) — The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA) today called on authorities to investigate a recent attack on a Muslim Lyft driver as a hate crime.
On the night of September 16, the driver was allegedly attacked by a customer while driving on I-5 near Everett, Wash. The alleged attacker reportedly hit and choked the driver repeatedly after asking him “Where the f**k do you come from?” causing injuries to the driver’s head and neck and resulting in a car accident involving a second vehicle.
The victim, a resident of Shoreline and father of seven, has been driving for Lyft for a year. He is currently unable to work due to his injuries, emotional trauma and the damage done to his car.
CAIR-WA has sent a letter to the FBI requesting that the incident be investigated as a hate crime.
A similar attack on a Lyft driver of Middle Eastern heritage in Texas.
SEE: Houston Man Charged with Hate Crime, Accused of Attacking Lyft Driver of Middle-Eastern Descent
The Washington, D.C.-based Muslim civil rights organization also called on Lyft to condemn the attack and to commit to working to protect its employees from such violence.
Hate crimes against American Muslims and other minorities are rising dramatically. A recent CAIR report shows 2017 to be on track to becoming one of the worst years ever for Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes.
CAIR-Washington is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties of all people, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR-Washington es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
- END -
CONTACT: CAIR-Washington Media & Outreach Director, Sarah Stuteville,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 206-403-3931