Attacks on Minnesota’s Muslim Community and Elected Officials Inspire Hate and Violence 

WASHINGTON, DC — The following is a statement issued today from Muslim Advocates Executive Director Farhana Khera asking President Trump to stop his repeated attacks on Minnesota’s Muslim community and elected officials:

“By now, it is painfully clear that President Trump embraces hate and intends to resort to anti-Muslim bigotry to distract voters. Yet, for the safety of American Muslims in Minnesota and across the nation, I urge him to stop engaging in hateful smears.

When Trump calls refugees from predominantly-Muslim countries ‘animals’ and terrorists or when he says that Muslim members of Congress hate America and support Al Qaeda, he is sending a message that it is okay to dehumanize, stereotype and target Muslims and immigrants. And this message has serious consequences.

In 2016, then-candidate Trump ran on a platform of anti-Muslim bigotry. The next year, three white supremacist militia members—including one who submitted a bid to build the president’s border wall—bombed a mosque just outside of Minneapolis. Instead of joining the bipartisan calls of support for the community emanating from Minnesota, the White House suggested that the bombing was a ‘fake hate crime.’

We must end this cycle of hate and violence. Lives are at stake. We urge all Minnesotans and all Americans to stand up against hate and violence and demand that the president put an end to this dangerous fear-mongering.”

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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