(COLUMBUS, OH, 10/6/26) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today condemned anti-Muslim remarks made by Ohio Senator Andrew Brenner during an interview with Rooster.info and called on Ohio leaders to hold him accountable for rhetoric that stigmatizes Muslims and promotes harmful stereotypes.
During the interview, Brenner defended military action against Iran, asserting that bombing the country was necessary and criticizing past diplomatic efforts. While discussing Iran and international affairs, Brenner repeatedly shifted to broad statements about Muslims, claiming that “the Islamists want to kill us” and suggesting that those deemed “infidels” by such groups would be on the “chopping block.”
CAIR-Ohio noted that differences of opinion on foreign policy do not justify rhetoric that paints Muslims as a threat or fuels prejudice against an entire faith community.
When asked how the issue related to Columbus and Ohio residents, Brenner responded that it was “a threat internationally.” The senator did not directly address questions regarding the financial costs of military conflict or the impact of rising gas prices, stating instead that he wanted the issue resolved and that “it should have been done a different way.”
“Senator Brenner’s remarks were deeply disturbing and highlight the importance of knowing who our elected officials are and holding them accountable,” said CAIR Ohio, Northern Executive Director Faten Husni Odeh.
“Ohio Muslims deserve elected officials who represent them, not demonize them,” said CAIR-Ohio Central & Southern Executive Director Khalid Turaani. “Senator Brenner owes our community an apology.”
CAIR-Ohio encourages voters to engage with candidates about their positions on issues affecting local communities and to hold elected officials accountable for rhetoric that undermines mutual respect and civic unity. CAIR-Ohio also encourages Ohioans to contact CAIR-Ohio for legal and community support and to visit their local board of elections websites for voting and election information.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil rights 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-Ohio Northern Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-440-2247; Khalid Turaani, Executive Director, CAIR Ohio Central & Southern, kturaani@cair.com, 614-451-3232; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com.