(LOS ANGELES, CA – 2/20/2020) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA), part of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today joined with its National office in condemning a deadly far-right terror attack apparently targeting Muslims and immigrants in Germany that left at least nine people dead.
A 43-year-old German man shot people at several locations in the Frankfurt suburb of Hanau late on Wednesday. A German official said the suspected gunman’s web page “pointed to deeply racist views.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the shootings exposed the “poison” of racism in German society and, “There is much to indicate that the perpetrator acted out of far-right extremist, racist motives. Out of hatred for people with other origins, other faiths or a different appearance.”
WATCH: Germany Attack: Gunman Acted on Rightwing, Racist Motives, Says Merkel – Video
READ: 10 Killed in Suspected Far-Right Attack in German Hookah Bars; Suspect Dead
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We are heartbroken and shocked by the horrific shootings. The meteoric rise in xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and white nationalism has led to violence in the United States and across the globe. We saw evidence of this hatred almost a year ago in New Zealand. Evil and bigotry cannot be allowed to succeed. We will continue to combat fear and hatred.”
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“We condemn this apparent far-right terror attack targeting Germany’s Muslim and immigrant communities. Public officials must act with determination against the growing xenophobic, Islamophobic, white supremacist and racist movements in Germany, America and worldwide that are the motivating factor for such violent actions.”
Ayloush urged the community to remain vigilant and to contact law enforcement immediately if they encounter anything suspicious.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Eugene W. Fields, 714-851-4851 or efields@cair.com