(LOS ANGELES, CA – 8/9/2022) – The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today welcomed the arrest of a suspect in the shooting deaths of four New Mexico Muslim men and strongly condemned the anti-Shia hatred that may have motivated the killings.
Four different Muslim men have been shot and killed in Albuquerque over the past nine months. CAIR offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the murders and called on the Biden administration to take a direct role in responding to the shooting spree.
In a statement, CAIR-CA Chief Executive Officer Hussam Ayloush said:
“While we welcome the arrest of the suspect in these disturbing shootings, we are disheartened and appalled to learn that the murders were allegedly motivated by anti-Shia bias. There is no space for sectarian violence in our community or in our faith. The Muslim community will continue to stand together against all forms of hate and bias. We welcome and encourage an investigation from law enforcement into the horrifying hate crimes that have disheartened the entire Muslim community.”
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil liberties, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.