VA Mosque Attack Prompts Advocates To Call For Hate Crime Charges

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — A Muslim advocacy group is calling for hate crime charges to be brought against a man recorded on video profanely berating a group of women and waving an object in their direction at an Annandale mosque, according to reports.

Tony Hsiao was arrested and charged with assault, trespassing and property destruction shortly after the Nov. 28 incident at Dar Al Nur Community Center, according to FOX 5, which reported Hsiao was arrested and faced similar charges last year.

In the video, a group of women is seen hurrying away from a person off camera, who is later shown to be Hsiao, who swings a rod-shaped object menacingly while swearing at the women and specifically mentioning their religion.

“Although we welcome the arrest of the individual who has once again allegedly attacked the Somali-American community at the same Virginia mosque, local and federal authorities must hold him fully accountable by filing hate crime charges,” Council on American-Islamic Relations staff attorney Ahmad Kaki said Friday in a news release.

“No one should be able to get away with repeatedly attacking the same house of worship. We must send a message that all faiths are welcome and safe in Fairfax County and throughout our nation.”