On March 20, 2025, an Ohio mother of Somali origin was the victim of a violent hate crime outside of her Columbus home. Video of the brutal incident, which included a death threat against the woman and her family, is available here (Content Warning: violence).
CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani explained, “This attack is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader pattern of discrimination and hostility that marginalized communities face daily. It is imperative that authorities act swiftly to ensure justice for the victim and her family and to demonstrate that Columbus will not tolerate such alleged acts of violence and intimidation. We request that local, state and federal law enforcement authorities investigate this disturbing incident as a possible hate crime and provide a response to the affected parties and community regarding the efforts taken to remedy the issue.”
CAIR-Ohio, the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, allied organizations, and community leaders join the victimized family in expressing pain and outrage at this violent, anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant action taken by people who — to this day — remain free of charge. The Columbus Division of Police and other local officials must hold the actors accountable.
Added Lynn Tramonte, Executive Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, “Just like this Ohio mom, I have waited outside my home for my kids to get off the school bus. It’s a time of happy anticipation, where you get to see your little ones after hours apart and hear about their day. Being violently attacked outside of your home — what is supposed to be a safe place — by your own neighbors destroys everything about the idea of home. We should be looking out for each other; that’s how we build strong communities. This family deserves healing and justice, and the Columbus community deserves accountability. The Columbus Division of Police must take a strong stance against all acts of physical violence, and make it clear that anti-immigrant hatred has no home in this city.”