(TAMPA, FL, 5/16/2023) – The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the distribution of white supremacist flyers found in a Naples Park, FL neighborhood.

NBC News 2 reported that 70 flyers were collected by Collier County Sherriff Office (CCSO) deputies. The racist flyer included a logo by the Aryan Freedom Network, which is based in Texas.  CCSO informed that the flyers do not seem to have targeted specific individuals.

SEE: Deputies investigating white supremacist flyers found in Naples Park neighborhood

CAIR-Florida is calling on the Collier County Sheriff Office and the FBI to conduct a full investigation into those responsible for spreading white supremacist racist propaganda to made instill fear in our diverse community.

The Aryan Freedom Network have been identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as an active neo-Nazi group originating from and operating statewide in Texas. It is now evident the network has stretched as far as Florida.

“The distribution of hateful and racist propaganda endangers our community when the perpetrators feel they can act with impunity. We believe it is extremely important for Sheriff Kevin Ramsbosk’s office to locate those responsible and send the message that this conduct is not welcome in Florida,” said CAIR-Florida Media Relations and Outreach Director Wilfredo Ruiz.   

Ruiz added that CAIR-Florida and the Florida Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.

CAIR’s 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: CAIR- FL Media & Outreach Director Wilfredo A. Ruiz, 305-503-6749, [email protected]