Muslim communities fearful after 4th killing in Albuquerque
4 Min Read
The targeted killings are instilling fear in Islamic communities in New Mexico and beyond.
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Altaf Hussain cries over the grave of his brother Aftab Hussain at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Friday, August 5, 2022. (AP)
The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has witnessed the fourth incident of homicide of a Muslim man in nine months. The targeted killings have instilled fear in Islamic communities in New Mexico and beyond.
On Monday, authorities identified the latest victim, noting that the common elements among all victims were their race and religion. The authorities sought help searching for a vehicle connected to the slayings.
See more: Anti-Muslim discrimination on the rise in the US
Naeem Hussain was killed Friday night, while three other men were killed in ambush shootings. The police have been trying to look into whether the deaths are linked.
Debbie Almontaser, a Muslim community leader in New York, wrote on Twitter: “The fact the suspect remains at large is terrifying,” and, “Who is next?!”
This has not only shook up the Albuquerque Muslim community, but Muslims nationally.
— Dr. Debbie Almontaser (@DebbiAlmontaser) August 7, 2022
The fact the suspect remains at large is terrifying. Who is next?!
Hussain, 25, was from Pakistan. He was murdered just a few days after Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, 27, and Aftab Hussein, 41, were killed. The two men were also from Pakistan and went to the same mosque. In November, Mohammad Ahmadi, 62, was also killed - he was from Afghanistan.
The general secretary at the Islamic Center of New Mexico, Aneela Abad, expressed that there are feelings of grief and confusion overcoming the Muslim community.
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“We are just completely shocked and still trying to comprehend and understand what happened, how and why,” she said.
Some Muslim university students have been wondering whether it is safe for them to stay in the city - some Muslims have since avoided stepping outside their homes unless it is "absolutely necessary."
Police are suspicious that the same vehicle, a dark gray or silver four-door Volkswagen that may be a Jetta or Passat with dark tinted windows, was been used in all four of the murders.
There is a $20,000 reward for those holding information that can lead the police to the car in order to arrest the perpetrator.
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Albuquerque Police Deputy Chief of Investigations Cecily Barker holds a flyer with photos of a car wanted in connection with Muslim men murdered on August 7, 2022. (AP)
“We have a very, very strong link,” Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said Sunday. “We have a vehicle of interest … We have got to find this vehicle.”
US President Joe Biden said he was “angered and saddened” by the killings and that his administration “stands strongly with the Muslim community.”
“These hateful attacks have no place in America,” Biden said Sunday in a tweet.
Racism and hate crime in the US have been increasing, particularly post-9/11 and upon the rise of White nationalism. Black communities, Asians, Hispanics and Muslim communities have all experienced a form of discrimination and hatred in one way or another - or, even systemic prosecution and killing.
Pro-Israeli organizations fund anti-Muslim hate groups in US
Charities enjoying ties with Jewish families and unions, according to a January report on the flow of tax-deducted donations to organizations, have been funding anti-Muslim groups as identified by a Muslim civil rights lobby.
“Islamophobia in the Mainstream” is the title of the report which was published by the Council on American-Islamic Relations - a civil rights group and political lobby critical of "Israel".
1000+ anti-Muslim financiers
CAIR analyzed 50 charities that were at the top of the list of some 1,100 anti-Muslim financiers identified in a report in 2021 to find out that 35 foundations hold responsibility for nearly $106 million funneled to 26 anti-Muslim groups between 2017 to 2019.
Although the number is lower than in previous years, it is indicative of how Islamophobia continues to enjoy funding in the US, according to CAIR.
No less than five funders of the list provided are outspoken Jews, while many other foundations are private family foundations notorious for their support for "Israel".
Support for pro-"Israel" extremist groups
CAIR confirmed that the propagation of funders tied to Jews also has links to some extremist and right-wing groups with pro-Israeli agenda, which promotes Islamophobia.
Some of the groups funded were mentioned by name, including the Committee for Accuracy in Reporting the Middle East in America (CAMERA), which received more than $4 million in grants. CAMERA identifies itself as a media watchdog fighting anti-Israeli bias.
Another name was the David Horowitz Freedom Center, which, according to CAIR, engages in media lobbying and anti-Muslim disinformation, and the American Freedom Defense Initiative, which is led by Pamela Geller. The AFDI is notorious for its "racist advertising campaigns."
