Washington, D.C., Aug 9, 2022— Today, Brady joins Americans across the country in expressing outrage over the recent fatal shootings of four Muslim men in Alburquerque, New Mexico. While police are still investigating the killings and their apparent link, the shootings serve as a reminder that hate, plus easy access to firearms, is a lethal combination.
Brady Senior Counsel and Director of Racial Justice Kelly Sampson shared:
Mohammad Ahmadi, Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, Aftab Hussein, and Naeem Hussain had the right to make a living, take a walk, spend time with their families, and enjoy their lives without being shot. Yet, they were all shot and killed. And while we do not yet know all the details, it seems that a hateful individual, armed with a firearm, killed these men. Now, not only are their loved ones grieving, but the entire Muslim community is traumatized — worried that they or someone they love might be the next person targeted simply for existing in the United States. This is unacceptable and an indictment on our supposed ‘free country’ — a country that Naeem Hussaim recently gained citizenship to after fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan. We must do more to disarm hate and ensure that everyone in America, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion is able to enjoy their lives and exercise their rights without the fear of being shot.
Team ENOUGH Executive Council Member Zeeshan Ali shared:
“The recent killings of Muslim men in New Mexico is horrific and it reminds us, that racial and religious bias is still very real in the U.S. This is simply the latest threat to minoritized communities, which face disproportionate amounts of gun violence. We must reaffirm our commitment to building a nation where everyone is welcome.”
Between 2010 - 2016, more than 56,000 hate crimes in the United States involved a firearm. Hate crimes, however, are grossly under-reported, undercounted, and miscategorized. A 2021 survey by the Council on American-Islamic Relations showed that 69% of respondents personally experienced one or more incidents of anti-Muslim discrimination or hate since September 11, 2001, and 83% of respondents knew someone who had.
While federal legislation has been introduced in Congress to prevent individuals convicted of misdemeanor-level hate or bias-motivated crimes from purchasing or possessing firearms, currently only seven states do: California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Oregon.
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
By continuing to browse, you consent to the use of cookies on this site.
By clicking OK below, you will be directed to a website operated by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, an independent 501(c)(4) entity.