(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 4/3/18) — The Philadelphia Chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) recently received notice of a widely disseminated document on the internet proclaiming today as “Punish a Muslim Day.”
The document in circulation, which originated in Britain, has gained some traction via social media in the United States. It promises a reward “based on action taken.” These troubling actions include: “verbally abusing a Muslim” (10 points), “pull the head scarf off a Muslim ‘woman’” (25 points), “throw acid in face of a Muslim” (50 points), “beat up a Muslim” (100 points), “torture a Muslim using electrocution, skinning, use of a rack” (250 points), etc.
Regarding these threats, Timothy Welbeck, Civil Rights Attorney for CAIR-Philadelphia, said, “These threats are repugnant and a vile deviation for the just and tolerant society we desire to foster. We are actively monitoring this issue and are here to serve your needs.”
CAIR-Philadelphia has been in contact with local law enforcement and a member of Joint Terrorism Task Force over the past week, who advised us that they are actively investigating this threat, and had been investigating it prior to our office contacting them. Additionally, the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center published an intelligence report to the law enforcement community concerning this issue.
Local law enforcement is monitoring the area today for potential threats to Muslims and Muslims institutions. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner also issued notice that his office intends to prosecute crimes committed against Muslims and Muslim institutions today as hate crimes.
CAIR-Philadelphia will continue to monitor this situation closely and will advise of any relevant updates.
Please report any and all suspicious activity to local law enforcement and contact our office if you require additional assistance. In the interim, you may also refer to our Muslim Community Safety Kit for additional tips.
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.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Civil Rights Attorney Timothy N. Welbeck, Esq., 267-515-6710, twelbeck@cair.com; Executive Director Jacob Bender, 267-515-6710, jbender@cair.com
