(CLEVELAND, OH, 10/13/23) – The Cleveland Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) is calling for a hate crime investigation after an individual reportedly breached security protocols to gain unauthorized access to its office in an apparent attempt to disrupt the private event held by the civil rights organization.
The individual, has a documented history of alleged Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian harassment, was subsequently removed by law enforcement.
That same person has faced consequences for his actions, including reportedly being banned from institutions such as Cleveland State University (CSU) and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), and being the subject of at least one restraining order.
The individual filmed CAIR-Ohio staff and volunteers with his phone and verbally abused them, calling them “terrorists.” He gained access to the area by tailgating into a private elevator without authorization.
“We urge state, local, and federal law enforcement to monitor and investigate crimes related to the increasing Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism,” said the Interim Executive Director of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio.
BACKGROUNDER:
A CAIR-Cleveland Board member recounted the incident,
“The individual showed up and accosted people attempting to use the restricted elevator. He called me a ‘terrorist’ and said I would ‘kill and rape’ him if given the opportunity. A person with access to the elevator opened the elevator, and the individual followed them in. I immediately instructed him to exit the elevator because entry to upper floors required special access that he did not have. I explained that the police would be called if he did not comply. He refused and went in search of the event. I immediately called the police out of concern for the safety of our staff and volunteers.”
The volunteer trapped in the elevator with the individual reported that the individual verbally harassed her and filmed her without permission.
The Board member continued:
“The individual was aggressive and attempted to push his way into the CAIR Office. Volunteers prevented his entry, and they were able to get the door locked and secured.”
CAIR-Cleveland’s staff members kept a close eye on the individual until the police arrived and removed the trespasser from the area.
This incident occurs amidst a concerning rise in racism and Islamophobia affecting Palestinian and Muslim community members.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations encourages those experiencing acts of aggression, racism, and Islamophobia to call their local CAIR offices and report these incidents.
SEE: Guidance for Students Targeted in Response to Palestine Rights Advocacy
SEE ALSO: CAIR’s Report an Incident Form
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
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-Cleveland & Northern Ohio Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247