A Muslim family in Ohio demanded a man be prosecuted for shouting “Islamophobic” statements and alleged threats. However, after police officers investigated the incident, they gave an unexpected response that has the family outraged.
While walking through a Sam’s Club parking lot in Columbus, Ohio, a Muslim family encountered an unidentified man. Around 4 p.m., the Palestinian family — which consists of a husband, wife, and minor son — say that the wife’s Islamic hijab and their collective foreign “heritage” was enough to instantly enrage the shopper.
According to the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the family claims that they were accosted by the man without provocation in a terrifying “Islamophobic” attack. They allege that the man randomly began shouting obscenities and “xenophobic” slurs at the trio, calling them “f—ing foreigners” and telling them “this is my home, go back to your f—ing country” and “go home.”
The family claim that the man’s bizarre, racist rant quickly escalated, turning into disturbing threats of violence directed at each of them. They report that the man warned “I am going to find you” and “I am going to put a bullet in your f—ing head” as well as “I am going to kill you.” He then allegedly turned to the father and bellowed “You are a dead man.”
The family contacted the police and reported the man’s description, threats, and license plate as well as photos of him and his car. With all of the information at hand, officers were easily able to identify the alleged attacker and track him down for questioning.
Of course, the family believed that the police would soon arrest the man and charge him for his purported threats of violence and verbal assault. However, once their interview had concluded, the Palestinian household was shocked and outraged by the authorities’ ultimate response.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that police have spoken with the alleged perpetrator and will not be filing any charge against him, suggesting that there is no evidence that an actual crime was committed. Since no one else in the area heard such an altercation, officers then closed the case, much to the family’s dismay.
Upset over the investigation results, the Muslim family contacted CAIR officials, who immediately took on their case. The organization is now calling on the police to arrest the man and prosecute him, despite authorities’ explaining that there are no grounds upon which they could press charges.
“The alleged perpetrator needs to be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for this racist and xenophobic attack,” said CAIR Ohio Executive Director Romin Iqbal. “Nobody should be intimidated, threatened or made to feel unsafe for simply belonging to an ethnic and religious minority.”
The police have reiterated that, as of yet, no charges will be filed against the alleged perpetrator. However, they have informed the family that, if they are adamant in taking legal action against the man, they can contact the city prosecutor’s office and request action. Sgt. James Fuqua explained that it is not in the department’s protocol to file misdemeanor charges in cases without witnesses unrelated to the alleged victims.
“This is an unfortunate incident that should not be tolerated,” Fuqua said. “Every citizen of this community should enjoy a safe quality of life, regardless of religious beliefs or background. We continue to try and make this an inclusive community to all…”
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien confirmed that the family opted to press the prosecutor to bring charges and that their complaint was filed with the city. He explained that policy ensures that the office will be required to conduct further interviews and determine whether charges are appropriate.
There has been speculation that the police suspect a hate crime hoax. However, it is unclear whether the story is actually incredulous or that there is simply insufficient evidence of a crime that has prompted the police to issue such a dismissal.
Source: Tap Worthy Happenings
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