NYT Reports on Racist Campaign Targeting Muslims After Park Avenue Shooting

NYT Reports on Racist Campaign Targeting Muslims After Park Avenue Shooting
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The New York Times reported Wednesday on the spread of misinformation and a racially charged campaign blaming Muslims for the recent mass shooting on Park Avenue in New York. The attack, which left a police officer and three others dead before the gunman took his own life, has been falsely portrayed as an act of Islamic terrorism targeting Zahran Madani, a Muslim candidate running to become New York City’s first Muslim mayor.

Madani’s surprising victory in the Democratic primary last month, coming from the far left, has stirred anti-Muslim sentiment locally and nationwide. Right-wing provocateur Laura Loomer, known for promoting conspiracy theories and closely aligned with President Trump, led efforts on social media to blame Madani, claiming he “inspires a generation of pro-Islamic cop killers.”

Democratic City Council member Shahana Hanif, a Muslim of Bangladeshi descent and Madani supporter, condemned the “media misinformation” that unfairly targets Muslim communities, emphasizing the loss of Officer Islam, a Muslim who died protecting others.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also denounced the racist backlash, condemning the blind hatred fueling such unfounded accusations against Muslims and Palestinians in the aftermath of the tragedy.