(MIAMI, Fla., Feb. 10, 2025) – The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-FL), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for the censure of Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin for his inflammatory and xenophobic anti-Muslim remarks, in which he claimed that Muslims “do not belong” in the United States.

SEE: Florida politician doubles down on claims that Muslims don’t belong in America

CAIR-Florida is calling on Mayor Rob Medina, Deputy Mayor Peter Jaffe, Councilman Donny Hammer, and Councilman Randy Johnson to publicly condemn Langevin’s statements and clarify that they do not represent the Palm Bay city government or its residents.

On Jan. 15, Langevin echoed the rhetoric of Florida State Senator Randy Fine—who has a history of anti-Muslim remarks—by replying to Fine’s post on X, stating:

“… I have no issues saying that Islam exists for the sole purpose of conquering Christendom and ending the Jewish people as well, and they do not belong in this great nation.”

International news outlet The Independent reported that when confronted by a community
member over his comments, Langevin refused to apologize.

CAIR-FL Communications Director Wilfredo Amr Ruiz said:

“It is unfortunate that Councilman Chandler Langevin has chosen to align himself with State Senator Randy Fine, a well-known anti-Muslim xenophobe. Langevin owes an apology not only to the half-million Muslims residing in the Sunshine State but also to the residents of Palm Bay, who reject being associated with his hateful rhetoric.”

“We call on Mayor Medina, Deputy Mayor Jaffe and Councilmen Hammer and Johnson to publicly condemn Langevin’s statements and make it clear that they do not reflect the values of Palm Bay’s diverse community.”

He noted that from January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69 percent increase over the same period in 2023.

SEE: New CAIR Data Shows Anti-Muslim, Anti-Palestinian Hate Remain Elevated in First Half of 2024

Last year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints. Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.

About CAIR-Florida:

CAIR-Florida is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, foster dialogue, safeguard civil liberties for all, empower American Muslims, and form coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR-Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

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CONTACT:

Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, CAIR-FL Media Director, Ph. (305) 502-6749. E: [email protected]