Pittsburgh Stands Firm
Against All Forms of Islamophobia

(PITTSBURGH, PA, 2/20/2021) -The Pittsburgh Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh), a chapter of the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization stands firm against all forms of Islamophobia and hate speech. 

CAIR was made aware of a group text message containing vulgar language and derogatory slurs last Friday, February 12, 2021. CAIR Pittsburgh is bringing this matter forward to help build awareness to the Islamophobia that exists in our hometown. 

Jeffrey Altmeyer, age 61 of Cheswick, PA, was accidentally placed into a group chat message and asked to be removed. When he was not removed immediately from the chat he responded with “I don’t belong here you Muslim son of a b****.” Then followed up with “too bad you sand n***** if you weren’t so f****** stupid to put me in the list, you wouldn’t have heard it.”  

“CAIR condemns all forms of Islamophobia, vulgar and derogatory language to any person. This is not the standard for a civilized society, or upholding peace and unity. We can only move on as a civilized society if we demand change and hold each other accountable. We are saddened and disappointed in the language used by Mr. Altmeyer, and how easily such hate was spewed, without remorse. There is no excuse or explanation for such a reaction.  We welcome Mr. Altmeyer to engage with the Muslim community, so that he may learn to choose love over hate. Furthermore, we want to bring awareness to this type of hate, living within our beautiful city. We would also like for our community to remain diligent and safe.” said CAIR Executive Director Christine Mohamed.  

CAIR is America’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.  

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.

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CONTACT: CAIR Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed, 412-606-3601, cmohamed@cair.com