According to a statement published by the Department of Justice, Howard plead guilty to "one count of threatening, intimidating, and interfering with a Muslim family's enjoyment of their housing rights, in violation of Title 42 U.S.C. § 3631. Howard intimidated and interfered with the victims, who sought to purchase a home in the Davis Islands neighborhood of Tampa, Florida, by threatening to burn down the home, simply because it was being purchased by a Muslim family."

 

This experience has been both traumatic and financially detrimental to the family involved. This has caused great grief and fear as this incitement of hate has not only come as a personal attack but also as a reminder of the hateful environment brewing in the state of Florida.

 

CAIR-Florida's Chief Executive Director Hassan Shibly who was present at the plea hearing says, "With the dramatic increase in hate crimes and hate incidents, it is a relief to see the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) take this case seriously and we are grateful for their diligence regarding this matter. We hope this comes as a strong message that hate and discrimination will not be tolerated in the state of Florida."

 

 

 

 

CAIR-Florida is the state's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties of all people, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

 

La misión de CAIR-Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

                                                    

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