(LOS ANGELES, CA – 02/24/2023) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned racist remarks about California Rep. Judy Chu reportedly made by Texas Rep. Lance Gooden.

In a Fox News interview Wednesday night, Gooden made a series of xenophobic remarks questioning Chu’s loyalty to the United States in response to Chu defending Biden appointee, Dominic Ng, against allegations that he was tied to the Communist Party.

Gooden attacked Chu’s reputation, stating he questions either her “loyalty or competence” and that he is “really disappointed and shocked that someone like Judy Chu would have a security clearance and entitled to confidential intelligence briefings until this is figured out.”

SEE: Rep. Judy Chu hits back at Texas Republican over ‘racist’ remarks questioning her loyalty to U.S.

In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said: 

“As an elected representative of the United States, it is Rep. Gooden’s duty to uphold the values of unity, tolerance and inclusivity. Instead, his xenophobic comments add more fuel to the fire of hatred that threatens to consume our nation.

“The AAPI community already faces unfounded mistrust and rampant discrimination from bigoted individuals. It is irresponsible for a representative of the people to sow seeds of doubt about Rep. Judy Chu’s loyalty and dedication to serving our country solely because of her ethnicity. This apparently racist behavior trickles down into our communities and sets the tone for how individuals interact with each other.

“We ask that Rep. Gooden provide a good example for the people he serves by apologizing for his harmful remarks about Rep. Chu.”

To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 or click here to file a report.

CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.

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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com