Should Local Muslim Community be Concerned About Election Outcome?

The Coachella Valley Muslim community has begun to express concern for their safety in the wake of upcoming immigration policy changes that will come with Donald Trump’s presidential win. Local Muslims specifically have voiced concern about facing discrimination for their faith, especially considering the hate crimes committed against them in recent years.

On December 11, 2015, 23-year-old Carl Dial threw a Molotov cocktail at the Islamic Society of the Coachella Valley’s mosque, as members prayed inside. After hearing an explosion in the front of the building, the mosque was evacuated and everyone made it outside unharmed.

After the mosque was hit by gunfire in 2014—an incident that is still under investigation—surveillance cameras were installed, which helped lead authorities to Dial at around 9 p.m. on the day of the arson. Dial’s charges include committing a hate crime, two counts of arson, one count of maliciously setting a fire and one count of second-degree burglary. He was sentenced to six years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to arson, perpetrating a hate crime and using a destructive device to commit a felony.

According to a study by CSU San Bernardino’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, hate crimes against Muslims tripled after the November 13, 2015 terrorist attack in Paris. Eighteen of the 38 attacks occurred after the San Bernardino shooting on December 2 last year. Brian Levin, who heads the research group, said a spike in hate crimes isn’t unusual after intergroup conflicts make headlines. Similar attacks on Muslims occurred after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

“These statistics on hate crimes are deeply troubling, and we hope our community can find a way to rise above hatred,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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