Urgent Call for Hate Crime Investigation After Shocking Attack in Euless, Texas
By: Fatmeh Atieh Alenteshar Al arabi Newspaper
In a disturbing incident in Euless, Texas, an alleged attack targeting two young Muslim children has prompted a vigorous call for a hate crime investigation by CAIR-Texas, the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the nation. The attack, which took place at a local apartment complex’s swimming pool, involved a violent attempt by a White American woman to drown the two children after questioning their mother about her origins and her language.
The assailant, who targeted the family while they were enjoying a day at the pool, not only attempted to submerge the children in water but also assaulted their mother, physically and symbolically, by snatching off her hijab and using it to strike her. This act of violence has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond, highlighting a disturbing rise in Islamophobic and xenophobic sentiments.
CAIR-Texas has called upon both state and federal law enforcement to classify and treat this horrifying act as a hate crime. The importance of this designation lies in recognizing and addressing the bias-motivated nature of the attack, ensuring that it is not viewed merely as an isolated incident but as part of a broader pattern of targeted hate crimes against Muslims in the United States.
Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR-Austin Operations Manager, emphasized the severity of the bigotry involved, pointing out the dangerous ideology that motivates such acts: “We are seeing a new level of bigotry here where a person deeply believes they get to decide, based on religion, spoken language, and country of origin, whose kids deserve to stay alive and whose don’t.” This statement underscores the critical need for a robust response from law enforcement and the judicial system.
The community’s reaction has been one of solidarity and swift action. Local leaders, including Rep. Salman Bhojani, have expressed their outrage and commitment to supporting the affected family and ensuring such acts of hate are met with full legal recourse. “Hate has no place in Euless, District 92, or anywhere in our great state,” Bhojani stated, reinforcing the community’s stance against such vile acts.
The incident has not only caused immediate physical and emotional harm but also long-term distress for the family. Mrs. H revealed the profound impact on her family, noting her daughter’s trauma and the disruption to their daily lives. This attack highlights the intersecting challenges of dealing with personal safety concerns, cultural integration, and the psychological aftermath of hate-based violence.
In response to this attack, CAIR-Texas and local community leaders are planning a press conference to address the incident and discuss further actions. This event is set to take place at the Hexa Co-working Event Center in Richardson, Texas, underscoring the community’s proactive approach to combating hate and supporting the victims.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a critical reminder of the need for vigilant and immediate action against hate crimes. It also calls for a broader societal reflection on how rhetoric and biases can escalate into violent actions that target innocent individuals based on their identity. This incident in Euless is a stark call to action for all stakeholders, from law enforcement to community leaders to the general public, to stand united against hate and to foster an environment where diversity is protected and cherished.
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate
