Florida Muslim Home Torched by Arsonists who Spray-Painted: 'F*** Islam' on the Garage of Burned House

(TAMPA, FL, 7/12/07) -

The Tampa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Tampa) today called on the FBI to investigate an arson attack on a Sarasota Muslim family's home as a possible hate crime.

According to the police report (Case# 200700056299) on the July 6th incident, "F*** Islam" was spray-painted on the garage door of the house, which is owned by a Muslim of Bosnian heritage.

Neighbors told a local television station that "it sounded like a bomb exploded inside the house." The station also reported that "there were 10 different spots inside the home where accelerants were used."

SEE: Hate Crime in a North Sarasota Neighborhood (ABC7)
SEE: Video of the Torched Home
SEE: Photos of the Torched Home

Fire officials told police that the blaze was an act of arson.

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group, has 33 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR-Tampa Executive Director Ahmed Bedier, 813-731-9506, E-Mail: abedier@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Rabiah Ahmed, 202-488-8787 or 202-439-1441, E-Mail: rahmed@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

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CAIR
Council on American-Islamic Relations
453 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
Tel: 202-488-8787, 202-744-7726
Fax: 202-488-0833
E-mail: info@cair.com
URL: http://www.cair.com

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