CAIR-NY Welcomes Arrest of Cortlandt Man After Hate Crime Incident at Gas Station in Westchester County

(NEW YORK, NY, 1/21/26) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomes arrest of a Cortlandt man who reportedly made derogatory comments about two individuals’ national origin and brandished a firearm.  

SEE: Cortlandt Gas Station Incident Leads to Serious Felony Charges  

Sean C. Pearson, 57, was arrested by New York State Police after an incident inside the Sunoco Gas Station. According to State Police, Pearson "approached two individuals, made derogatory statements regarding their national origin, displayed a handgun, and fled the scene."  

In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq., said:   

“We commend the swift response by law enforcement in investigating this matter and urge prosecutors to pursue all appropriate charges. Authorities must ensure that justice is served and that those targeted by bias are provided support and protection.”  

SEE ALSO: Man Makes Hate-Fueled Threat With Gun At Gas Station In Cortlandt: Police 

CAIR-NY stands in solidarity with all those affected by bias and discrimination. We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses bias-related incidents to report them so that they can be properly addressed.  

CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.  

La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.  

Subscribe to CAIR-NY's Email List    

You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.  

END  

CONTACT  

Afaf Nasher, Esq. CAIR-NY Executive Director, ANasher@cair.com    

CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com