Agency says Muslim family threatened near Easton

A group that represents Muslims in Ohio wants authorities to prosecute a man whom they say verbally threatened a local Muslim family Friday afternoon on the Northeast Side.

The family, of Palestinian heritage, was in the parking lot of the Sam’s Club at 3950 Morse Road, across from Easton, around 4 p.m. when an unidentified white male “without provocation” told the family to go back to the country where they came from, according to a Council on American-islamic Relations news release.

“I’m going to find you. I’m going to put a bullet in your (expletive) head. I’m going to kill you,” the man allegedly said to the Muslim husband, wife and their minor son, according to the CAIR release.

CAIR officials said the family contacted Columbus police and provided photos of the man and a license plate number from his vehicle. Police were able to identify the alleged perpetrator, but told the family they would not press charges and that the family should go to the city prosecutor’s office, CAIR said.

“The alleged perpetrator needs to be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for this racist and xenophobic attack,” said CAIR Ohio Executive Director Romin Iqbal. “Nobody should be intimidated, threatened or made to feel unsafe for simply belonging to an ethic and religious minority.”

Columbus police protocol is to not file misdemeanor charges in such a matter unless the act is witnessed by police or other witnesses, said Sgt. James Fuqua.

“This is an unfortunate incident that should not be tolerated,” Fuqua said. “Every citizen of this community should enjoy a safe quality of life, regardless of religious beliefs or background. We continue to try and make this an inclusive community to all.”

City Attorney Zach Klein could not be reached Friday night by The Dispatch.

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'brien said that when the family’s complaint is filed with the city prosecutor's office, that office will then conduct interviews and determine whether charges should be filed.

This list is compiled from voluntary submissions by parents to hospitals.

OHIOHEALTH RIVERSIDE METHODIST HOSPITAL Gallant, Abby and David: boy,

Jan. 2

Whitt, Jessica/bentley, Troy: boy, Jan. 1

OSU WEXNER MEDICAL CENTER Forrest, Cassandra and Craig: boy, Dec. 21

Rice, Allison and Jeremy: boy, Dec. 18

Thornton, Alexis and Stephen: boy, Dec. 20

Ward, Kaylin and Tim: twin boys, Dec. 19