June 23, 2020

The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) today welcomed the hate crime charges brought against 55-year-old Steve Cibotti after he allegedly threatened to shoot a family wearing Black Lives Matter shirts.  

Last week at the Flights Restaurant in Burlingame, a family of five was dining outside the restaurant after attending a protest when Cibotti reportedly “banged the table, slammed his hands on the table looked directly at the son and said “Black lives matter. ‘F’ black lives. Blue lives matter.” The family also alleges he cursed at and threatened to shoot them.

SEE: Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening to Shoot Family Wearing ‘Black Lives Matter’ Shirts in Burlingame

According to CBS News, he was arrested and is being held at the San Mateo County Jail, on charges of criminal threats and hate crimes, until he posted $150,000 bail shortly after.  

CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said in a statement:  

“Mr. Cibotti’s threatening behavior will not be tolerated. We welcome the hate crime charges brought against him and express our deepest support for the family who were engaging in much needed civic activity by attending a protest and proudly wearing clothing proclaiming that Black Lives Matter. What they experienced is exactly why we continue to protest against racist acts of violence, be they police officers or private individuals.”  

SEE: CAIR-SFBA Condemns Nooses Found Hanging from Trees In Oakland

SEE: CAIR Welcomes Arrest, Charges Against Cyclist Who Assaulted Md. Students Posting Racial Justice Flyers