The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today condemned an alleged hate crime that occurred in Manteca, CA.
According to reports, Sahib Singh, 71, an elderly Sikh man was brutally assaulted and spit on by two unidentified men on Aug. 6 while taking a walk around a local park.
SEE: Attack on Elderly Manteca Man Captured on Security Video
This comes less than a week after Surjit Malhi, also of the same faith, was attacked while posting campaign signs in support of a local candidate. Malhi’s attackers yelled racial slurs vandalized his truck.
SEE: Amid Rise In Hate Crimes In US, 2nd Sikh Man Brutally Attacked In A Week
“We stand in solidarity with the Sikh community against the bigotry and racism that fuels hate crimes like this one nationwide. These kinds of incidents are becoming increasingly common under the Trump administration and are direct attacks on religious liberty in the United States,” said CAIR-Sacramento Valley / Central CA Executive Director Basim Elkarra.
In the past, CAIR has stood in solidarity with communities of various faiths and backgrounds that are subject to similar hate crimes.
SEE: CAIR-NJ Expresses Solidarity with Jewish Community of Mahwah on Religious Boundary
CAIR-NY Condemns Bomb Threats Against Syracuse, NY Jewish Community
CAIR-LA Expresses Solidarity with Christian Community After Racist Threat to Bishop
CAIR recently released a report documenting an unprecedented rise in bias-motivated incidents linked to Trump’s election.
SEE: CAIR’s 2018 Civil Rights Report Offers Data on Impact of Growing Anti-Muslim Bias
Manteca police are asking for the public’s help regarding this case. Anyone with information can contact Detective Gutierrez at (209) 456-8223 or email jgutierrez@ci.manteca.ca.us. The Manteca Police Department’s non-emergency number is (209) 456-8101.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
CONTACT: CAIR-SV/Central California Civil Rights Attorney Saad Sweilem, 916-441-6269, ssweilem@cair.com.
