[link removed] [[link removed]]

Dear Friend,
I will never forget what it felt like to sit directly behind Dr. Mohammad Abu-Salha as he told members of Congress [[link removed]] the horrific story of how his two Muslim daughters and son-in-law were murdered by a man motivated by hate — only to have the police prematurely dismiss their deaths as nothing more than the unfortunate result of a “parking dispute.”
This week’s horrific violence in Atlanta has, once again, shaken me to the core.
I grieve with the families and the Asian American Pacific Islander community in Atlanta. And I am disgusted by how law enforcement officials are prematurely excusing hate ... yet again.
The day after a gunman killed eight people at three Atlanta-area massage parlors, six of whom were women of Asian descent, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Capt. Jay Baker downplayed race and gender [[link removed]] as motivating factors, instead blaming the killings on the suspect having a “really bad day.” His shocking statement, which sounded like he was a spokesperson for the shooter rather than for the police department, made clear that this case was not being handled appropriately.
The following day, FBI Director Christopher Wray told NPR [[link removed]] that “it does not appear that the motive was racially motivated.” It is outrageous that the FBI — the agency charged with thoroughly investigating hate crimes, particularly when state law enforcement officials fail to do so — would send a signal that the FBI has come to this conclusion when the investigation has only just begun.
We refuse to let this stand. In partnership with the Asian American community, we have been ensuring that our voices are heard at the highest levels of the administration. Our team just sent FBI Director Wray a letter [[link removed]] asking him to meet with civil right leaders and prioritize the safety of Muslim, Asians, Jews and other vulnerable communities. While the President, Attorney General and leadership in the Biden administration have sent clear and unequivocal signals that they’re taking this seriously, it is time for Director Wray to lead, too.
For years, Muslim Advocates has been working on the frontlines to track and monitor hate crimes, ensure they’re investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent under the law, seek justice for victims and shift the political environment that allows this violence to continue.
We’ve been in this struggle for a long time and we’ll continue to advocate at all levels of government until “parking disputes” or “really bad days” are no longer considered excuses to kill.
Hate will not have the last word.
Farhana Khera
Executive Director
Muslim Advocates

[link removed] [[link removed]]
[link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [email protected] [[email protected]]
Muslim Advocates is a national civil rights organization working in the courts, in the halls of power and in communities to halt bigotry in its tracks. We ensure that American Muslims have a seat at the table with expert representation so that all Americans may live free from hate and discrimination. Help keep our momentum going. Donate here. [[link removed]]
If you're absolutely sure you don't want to hear from Muslim Advocates again, click here to unsubscribe: [link removed]