Death Threats Against Muslim Candidate in Alabama Spark Investigation
Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato said Tuesday the city “will not let hate win,” while police confirmed an investigation is underway.
Patel’s attorney, William White, said the FBI has also been alerted, though the Birmingham office would not confirm its involvement, AL.com reported on Tuesday.
Patel told reporters that she and her family had been shaken by the attacks. “These past few days have been painful, very painful. My family and I have received hateful messages, insults, even death threats,” she said at a press conference.
Patel, who immigrated from India, said she remained committed to public service and to what she called the American dream.
White told the local Hoover Sun that a suspect in Georgia had been identified in connection with some of the threats. The posts appeared on Patel’s Facebook page and included calls for her deportation, references to “Sharia law,” and depictions of violence against Muslims.
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In a statement, Brocato said the city condemned all forms of hatred and stressed that “diversity is what sets Hoover apart.” He added that local police had plans in place to ensure residents could vote freely and safely.
Patel, who is running for Place 1 on the Hoover City Council against Robin Schultz, is the co-founder and former CEO of ConcertIDC, a Birmingham-based technology company. She also helped establish the Red Crescent Clinic of Alabama, which provides free healthcare to uninsured patients.
Despite the threats, Patel said she would not be deterred. “These threats are designed to silence me… But I want to be clear: I still believe in America. Hate will not win.”
Source: Agencies
