Muslim Girl Called ‘Terrorist’ In Mall Assault In Dunwoody

DUNWOODY, GA -- Police are searching for a man who walked up to a 14-year-old Muslim girl and snatched a hijab scarf off her head while yelling "Terrorist!" outside Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, authorities said.

The incident happened Friday about 9:40 p.m. while the girl was walking with friends. The suspect, described as a white male, approached her in the mall parking lot and took the scarf from her so forcefully that she was almost pulled to the ground.

Police said that because the suspect ripped the teen's scarf away from her and kept it, a theft and assault has been committed. The incident has shocked many in community, including law enforcement officials.

“Dunwoody is a very diverse community, welcoming people of all faiths. Therefore, an incident such as this one is unusual. The Dunwoody Police Department is committed to protecting our citizens and will conduct a thorough investigation,” Chief Billy Grogan said in a statement.

The suspect ran away after the attack, eluding bystanders and avoiding any cell phone recordings, a rarity these days.

"She says he appeared to be drunk, but she wasn't sure," the 14-year-old's mother told WXIA-TV. "He kept tugging and tugging, and she realized he was tugging on her hijab."

While the man stole her scarf, the attack has left the teen feeling like her faith was attacked more than anything.

The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Georgia) is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest and conviction.

Dunwoody police are asking the public to contact them if you have any information that would assist in their investigation. Authorities are also asking if anybody that may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Image via Pixabay