Suspect Who Yelled Derogatory Comments Outside Stamford Mosque Arrested: Police

STAMFORD, CT — A Stamford man has been arrested and charged in connection with an incident that occurred outside the Stamford Islamic Center on Washington Boulevard on Aug. 9, according to an announcement from police on Tuesday.

Michael Slocum, 36, voluntarily surrendered to police Tuesday afternoon. Through a review by the State's Attorney's Office, police said Slocum was charged with second-degree breach of peace. He was released on a promise to appear in court with a court date of Aug. 26.

Police said a motorist stopped in front of the center and "verbally engaged with several congregants" on the night of Aug. 9. Police said they had identified a suspect on Monday.

The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, posted a video of what appears to be a man in a white car shouting "a series of Islamophobic insults, including insults attacking Islam and the Prophet Muhammad," CAIR-CT noted in a news release Sunday.

"This was a deliberate and targeted verbal assault meant to intimidate Muslim families, including children, as they peacefully left their house of worship," said Farhan Memon, CAIR-CT chairman, in a prepared statement on Sunday, calling for action from law enforcement.

Following the announcement of an arrest, CAIR-CT said the charge "may not fully reflect the severity and targeted nature" of what happened.

"While we recognize the importance of holding the perpetrator accountable, we believe that his conduct — explicitly targeting Muslims because of their religion and occurring at a house of worship — fits the criteria for prosecution under Connecticut’s hate crime statutes, which provide for stronger penalties and send a clearer message that bigotry and intimidation will not be tolerated in our state," Memon said in a prepared statement Tuesday.

"This was not just a case of disturbing the peace. It was a deliberate attempt to harass and intimidate an entire community because of their faith," Memon added. "The law is clear: when someone acts with the specific intent to target people based on religion, it’s a hate crime. We urge the authorities to review the evidence and consider amending the charges to reflect that reality."

CAIR-CT called for the SPD and State's Attorney's Office to "review the incident under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-181k (Intimidation Based on Bigotry or Bias in the Second Degree) or other applicable hate crime provisions," and "provide public assurance that crimes motivated by bias will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons on Monday released a statement on the incident.

"Acts of hate have no place in our city, and I condemn the despicable anti-Muslim hate speech that was directed at members of our Muslim community. Stamford’s strength comes from our diversity, and we will not tolerate behavior that seeks to divide or intimidate," Simmons said. "Law enforcement will continue to ensure houses of worship remain secure and that all residents can gather and worship in peace and safety. As a city, we remain committed to standing against all forms of hate and to fostering an inclusive, respectful community where everyone is welcome."

Police said anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Stamford Police Department Major Crimes Unit Squad B.