(MIAMI, FLA., 5/15/2024) - The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-FL), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the charges brought against Kyle Walter Martin. Martin is accused of verbally harassing a Muslim female in hijab at the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport in Broward County.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Martin approached the woman and quickly became more aggressive before calling her a terrorist and continuing to berate her as she waited to board a Spirit Airlines flight with several other passengers witnessing the encounter, and some forming a barrier between Martin to protect the woman.
SEE: Disturbing, viral video shows man harass Muslim woman wearing hijab at airport
Videos posted on TikTok reportedly show the man pointing his camera at Khan, with the two people at her side — who said they were just “celebrating Thanksgiving.”
CAIR-Florida lead attorney Omar Saleh stated:
“The victim, who is not from Florida, is thankful to the Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives for diligently investigating a serious offense that no person should experience anywhere, especially at an airport. We’re glad the Broward State Attorney’s office took such conduct seriously by pursuing charges against Martin, who is also not from Florida.”
CAIR’s Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor stated: “Harassing someone because of the way they look is always unacceptable. We thank authorities for investigating and bringing charges in this incident. Whatever your faith, ethnicity, or race, you deserve to not be subjected to hate.”
CAIR mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR 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: Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, CAIR-Florida Media and Outreach Director, 305-502-6749. [email protected]
