CAIR Calls On Stillwater Cops, Pols To Protect Muslim Community

STILLWATER, MN — The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Monday called on public and law enforcement officials in Stillwater to take "concrete actions" to ensure the safety of members of the Muslim and other minority communities an incident involving a Muslim woman and a biker gang.

Sophia Rashid — who identified herself as a "very visible Muslim woman" — was having dinner at 9 p.m. Saturday in downtown Stillwater when she encountered the gangs. Rashid, who was were with her four-year-old daughter, said the bikers clearly did not want her there and tried to intimidate her.

Members of "Hells Angels" were also at the scene, according to Rashid. Feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable and unsafe, she and her daughter were escorted to her car by the restaurant employees and a Stillwater police officer.

The Stillwater Police Department is investigating.

"We thank the restaurant staff and the police officer who sought to protect the Muslim mother and her child, but public officials must take concrete steps to ensure that this type of harassment and intimidation targeting members of minority communities does not occur in the future,” said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein.

In a statement on Facebook, Stillwater mayor Ted Kozlowski said he is "incredibly saddened and disturbed that a visitor to Stillwater, and her daughter, didn't feel safe in our town."

"We welcome everyone here and do not abide racism or discrimination of any sort," he continued.

"I've reached out to Sophia to hear more about her experience and to assure her that she and her family are welcome here; I've not heard back yet. I've also reached out to my Chief of Police, County Attorney & County Sheriff. They are currently investigating the incident and I hope to know more soon including what action can be taken. I love this town and as Mayor I want everyone to feel safe in our community especially as the diversity of our residents and visitors continues to grow. As we learn more about what transpired this weekend, we want to ensure everyone is safe and want to encourage people to call the police if they feel threatened. Stillwater welcomes all and we commend those who stand up to racism."