The federal hate crimes law was enacted for cases exactly like the tragic one in Chapel Hill: to protect Americans from hate even when state laws fall short of fully vindicating their rights.  Muslim Advocates urges U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to open a full and rigorous hate crime investigation into the ruthless murders of Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha and Razan Abu-Salha.  Now, more than ever, we need our nation’s chief law enforcement officer to send a clear message that violent attacks on American Muslims will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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Muslim Advocates is a national legal advocacy and educational organization working on the frontlines of civil rights to guarantee freedom and justice for Americans of all faiths. Through high impact lawsuits, policy advocacy, and community education, Muslim Advocates serves as a resource to empower communities and ensures that the American Muslim community is heard by the courts and leaders at the highest level of government. Visit Muslim Advocates at www.muslimadvocates.org and follow @muslimadvocates.