CAIR-NY Condemns Anti-Asian Attack in Long Island City, Urges Hate Crime Investigation and Solidarity Across Communities

(NEW YORK, NY, 9/12/26) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned an allegedly anti-Asian assault targeting a couple along the Long Island City waterfront in Queens.

The NYPD is currently seeking a suspect who hurled anti-Asian rhetoric and slurs at the victims before launching a physical assault.

In a statement responding to the incident, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said:

“We stand in resolute solidarity with our AAPI neighbors following this apparently bias-motivated assault in Long Island City. Bigotry, anti-Asian rhetoric, and bias-fueled violence have no place on our streets or in our communities.

“We urge law enforcement to thoroughly investigate this incident as a potential hate crime and ensure the perpetrator is apprehended promptly. As marginalized and targeted communities, we must continue to stand together in calling out acts of hatred, supporting victims, and demanding safety for all New Yorkers regardless of race, religion, or background.”

CAIR-NY 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-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