CAIR-NY Joins Call for Stepped-Up Protection After Assault on Muslim Woman Walking to Mosque in Buffalo

(NEW YORK, NY, 3/11/26) - 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 joined community members in calling for stepped-up protection after an assault of an elderly Bengali woman, Bilkis Begum, who was allegedly pistol-whipped during a robbery while walking to her masjid (Islamic house of worship) for early morning prayers in Buffalo. 

In what was captured on surveillance camera, the assailant robbed the woman of her purse and repeatedly struck her with a firearm, leaving her with severe injuries. She allegedly called out for help, but no one responded. The incident has prompted members of the community to request increased police presence during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, in which many Muslims attend extra worship services at their masjid. Officials with the Buffalo Police Department have said investigators are working on the case.  

SEE: Bengali woman pistol-whipped during robbery while walking to mosque for early morning prayers 

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

“It is deeply disturbing to hear of the violent assault of an elderly woman who was simply trying to walk to her mosque for prayers during Ramadan. Muslim communities are gathering for worship and peace, and to have to fear being targeted while practicing faith is absolutely unacceptable. We are urging law enforcement and prosecutors to hold the assailant responsible to the fullest extent of the law. We also offer Ms. Begum our sincerest wishes for a speedy recovery from this traumatic incident. Like all communities, Muslims also deserves safety, dignity, and utmost protection from violence.” 

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.  

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CONTACT  

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

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