Family Urges Hate Crime Probe After Muslim Woman Shot in Maryland
The shooting occurred around 1 p.m. Monday on the 500 block of Ritchie Road in Capitol Heights. Police said the suspect fled the scene and that detectives are speaking with witnesses as part of an active investigation, Fox5 reported on Tuesday.
Family members said the victim, who was running errands, was wearing a niqab when a gunman opened fire on her vehicle. Her brother described the incident as a terrifying ordeal. “She wasn’t sure if it was really happening until the glass shattered,” he said, noting that she was struck in the left arm but feared the attacker had been aiming for her head.
Shattered glass from her minivan remained in the parking lot where the shooting happened. The victim is recovering from her injuries, but her family said she remains in shock.
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The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has urged authorities to investigate the case as a hate crime. Zainab Chaudry, CAIR’s Maryland director, said the attack was particularly concerning because the victim was visibly Muslim.
“It was a seemingly unprovoked attack. We want to make sure this incident is treated with the seriousness it deserves and that the perpetrator is brought to justice,” she said.
Chaudry added that the incident has unsettled the wider Muslim community. She said CAIR has received calls from people questioning whether they should change how they dress or carry out daily routines.
“Nobody should ever have to feel like they have to change who they are or what they’re doing just because they’re fearful for their safety,” she said.
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The victim’s brother also urged police to act quickly. He said the family fears the shooter could target others. “This could have been his first mission. Who knows, maybe next time it will be on a larger scale,” he said.
Prince George’s County police said they have not yet classified the case as a hate crime. CAIR has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Source: Agencies
