PRESS STATEMENT: CAIR-Chicago Calls for Hate Crime Investigation After Apparent Shots Fired at Muslim-owned business in Lincoln Square
Recent similar attacks targeted a nearby Mosque
- For Immediate Release and Distribution -
CHICAGO, IL (9/9/24) – The Chicago Office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is calling on the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to conduct a thorough hate crime investigation after shots were discovered at Redzovic Jiu Jitsu, a martial arts school in Lincoln Square.
Maggie Slavin, Operations Manager of CAIR-Chicago, said:
"It is deeply troubling that the attack on Redzovic’s studio occurred just 10 minutes from the Muslim Community Center. These two incidents may be linked, revealing a pattern of targeting Muslim institutions. We need authorities to thoroughly investigate these apparent Islamophobic attacks, which should not be treated as isolated incidents of 'property damage,' but as potential 'hate crimes’ that threaten the safety of our entire Muslim community".
The business was targeted in a manner resembling the attack at MCC that occurred over Labor Day weekend. Both incidents left similar-looking bullet holes, with additional video evidence indicating it may have been the same perpetrator.
Eddie Redzovic, owner and head instructor of the martial arts studio, is also the long time host of the popular YouTube series “The Deen Show” said:
“It's heartbreaking to see acts of violence like this in our beautiful city of Chicago, especially when they may be driven by hatred toward Muslims and Islam, as seen in a similar attack on a mosque nearby. I trust that our Mayor and Police Chief will bring those responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our community. Instead of terrorizing us, we invite these individuals to visit the mosque, get to know us, and embrace love over hate, which is what the world truly needs”.
CAIR-Chicago representatives are in touch with local alderman Andre Vazquez, whom they describe as “supportive”.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR Chicago, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; Maggie Slavin, Operations Manager of CAIR-Chicago, 815-590-3991, mslavin@cair.com; Hafsa Haider, Communications Coordinator of CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com