(12/3/2015) Comments by Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich about Wednesday’s shootings in San Bernardino have elicited ire from Muslim community leaders. But the Republican supervisor insists he stands by his remark.
In a speech to constituents after the shooting, Antonovich said, “The first thing I asked about this incident, was the guy named Muhammad?”
Antonovich, who represents the northern reaches of the county, spoke at the West Ranch Town Council meeting that night and talked about the attack that killed 14 people in San Bernardino earlier that day. Brandon Lowrey, a reporter who was at the meeting as a freelancer for the local SCV Reader, tweeted the “Muhammad” comment. Antonovich has confirmed making the comment.
It upset some who said it unfairly singled out Muslims over other perpetrators of mass shootings.
“That is an insensitive statement coming from somebody in power like the supervisor,” said Kamal al-Khatib, president and co-founder of American Islamic Institute of Antelope Valley, in Palmdale.
Al-Khatib said Muslims are fearful of backlash stemming from the attack. “We are a victim too. Every time something happens, we are another victim.”
Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Los Angeles, said his organization has heard of an increase in threats against mosques and Muslim community members since Wednesday’s shooting rampage. He said some Islamic schools closed Thursday and mosques took extra security precautions.
“During these challenging times, our country needs real leaders, not self-serving, immoral politicians who exploit people’s anxiety and fear to fuel the phobia and paranoia,” he said. “I’m sure he didn’t ask on the weekend when there was a shooting in Colorado Springs if the shooter’s name was Michael, because I know I didn’t ask that.”
