Press Release: CAIR-Chicago Thanks Sheriff's Office Following Arrest of Homer Glen Anti-Muslim Vandalism Suspect
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CAIR-Chicago Thanks Sheriff's Office Following Arrest of Homer Glen Anti-Muslim Vandalism Suspect
(CHICAGO, IL, 9/21/18) -- The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today thanked the Sheriff’s office following its swift arrest of an Anti-Muslim vandalism suspect in Homer Glen.
A Muslim physician informed CAIR-Chicago and local law enforcement authorities about a graffiti attack at his elderly parents’ property. The vandalism involved spraying an anti-Muslim message on the sidewalk and in front of the house, as well as vandalizing the family’s car in the driveway. The obscene sidewalk message read “Muhammed, P**s Be Upon Him," accompanied by three crosses. The vandals also sprayed black paint over the brake lights of the car.
[NOTE: When Muslims refer to Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, they add the phrase “peace be upon him.” The obscene graffiti was an apparent attempt at degradation.]
On September 20th, a hate crime charge, as well as 5 other felonies were pressed against the perpetrator, identified as Patrick Goshorn, 26, of Homer Glen.
“We thank the Sheriff’s office for their professional and swift investigation and the Will County State Attorney’s office for taking this unfortunate incident seriously. Hate crimes are a serious offense that do not only threaten public safety but also cause a victim immense psychological distress," Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, said. "The family ultimately wishes for the rehabilitation of their offender, and our advocating for leniency is not out of the question pending his cooperation to rehabilitate. However, it is imperative that hate crime statutes be fully observed to send a strong message that such acts will carry grave consequences and deter repeat. The safety of the family and other potential victims remains our first priority.”
Goshorn's next hearing is scheduled for October 11th, 2018.
CAIR-Chicago is the Chicago office of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Our mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.
CONTACT: CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Saadia Pervaiz, 312-212-1520, spervaiz@cair.com; CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Asha Binbek, 312-212-1520, abinbek@cair.com.