Press Releases
CAIR-Houston Urges Law Enforcement to Probe Fire Deaths as Potential Hate Crime
(HOUSTON, TX, 6/11/23) — The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate a deadly fire in Huntsville, Texas, as a potential hate crime.
Two people died in a fire at a Huntsville home that had reportedly been targeted in the past with racial slurs.
SEE: 2 bodies found in Huntsville home that burned down 1 month after being painted with racial slurs
CAIR-Houston has contacted the FBI to ask for a federal investigation of the fire and deaths.
William White, Director of CAIR-Houston, said in a statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in this devastating fire. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims as they cope with this unimaginable loss. The circumstances surrounding this incident raise concerns about the possibility of a hate crime.
“We call on local state and federal law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, utilizing all available resources to determine the cause of this fire and any potential motive behind it.”
He said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Houston Director William White, w-white@cair.com, 713-254-2016
