The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed concern that the charges brought against Michael Slocum, 36, who allegedly engaged in a vile anti-Muslim tirade outside the Islamic Cultural Center of New York (ICCNY) in Stamford, may not fully reflect the severity and targeted nature of his actions.
CAIR-CT previously called for a hate crime probe of the incident.
According to eyewitness accounts and video evidence, Slocum’s vehicle was blocked from entering ICCNY’s parking lot after he attempted to drive in. From his car, he reportedly shouted hateful and false statements about Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and Muslim immigrants — all in the presence of families and children attending the mosque. The incident created a climate of fear and intimidation for worshippers exercising their constitutionally protected right to attend religious services in peace.
The Stamford Police Department has charged Slocum with Breach of Peace in the Second Degree, a Class B misdemeanor.
SEE: Man arrested for allegedly making derogatory comments to congregants at Stamford mosque
In a statement, Farhan Memon, Chairman of CAIR-CT said:
“While we recognize the importance of holding the perpetrator accountable, we believe that his conduct — explicitly targeting Muslims because of their religion and occurring at a house of worship — fits the criteria for prosecution under Connecticut’s hate crime statutes, which provide for stronger penalties and send a clearer message that bigotry and intimidation will not be tolerated in our state.
“This was not just a case of disturbing the peace. It was a deliberate attempt to harass and intimidate an entire community because of their faith. The law is clear: when someone acts with the specific intent to target people based on religion, it’s a hate crime. We urge the authorities to review the evidence and consider amending the charges to reflect that reality.”
CAIR-CT calls on the Stamford Police Department and the State’s Attorney’s Office to:
- Review the incident under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-181k (Intimidation Based on Bigotry or Bias in the Second Degree) or other applicable hate crime provisions.
- Provide public assurance that crimes motivated by bias will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The civil rights organization also called on community members to remain vigilant and report all incidents of bias, harassment, or hate to law enforcement and to CAIR-CT so that victims receive both legal and community support.
CAIR-CT is the local chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Farhan Memon, Chairman 203-517-6526 (cell) or fmemon@cair.com