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Mukilteo police are seeking information regarding an assault on a candidate installing signs

Mukilteo police are seeking information regarding an assault on a candidate installing signs

The Mukilteo Police Department (MPD) is seeking information in connection with last weekend’s reported assault of a political candidate installing signs at the Mukilteo Speedway.

Members MPD responded to an incident in the 1200 block of Mukilteo Speedway around 2 a.m. last Saturday, according to a news release the department issued to reporters. When officers arrived on scene, Riaz Khan, currently the Republican Party candidate for the Washington State House of Representatives’ 21st Legislative District and former member of the Mukilteo City Council, reported that he was attacked by two unidentified men while installing campaign signs.

Khan stated that the two men hit him with sticks and then fled the scene. After arriving at the scene, the officers thoroughly searched the area for suspects. However, neither the suspects nor the vehicle they were driving in was found.

Khan was “in a lot of pain” and planned to go to hospital, he said Wednesday, according to The Daily Herald in Everett.

“It’s unexpected, it’s unbelievable,” Khan said Everett outlet. “This hate crime has no place in our city, nothing like this should happen.”

Khan is a Muslim and was born in India, The Herald also noted.

The Washington State Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIRO-WA), the country’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, issued a statement on the incident on Thursday.

He blames the attackers he called Khan a “fucking foreigner” and a “Trump supporter.” Khan said his attackers were two white men between 30 and 40 years old, CAIR-WA reported.

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More on the Mukilteo police investigation

The department noted that due to the time of day the reported assault occurred, it would have been more difficult to conduct an investigation. He stated that he also cooperates with federal partners.

“Due to the time of day and location, there are not many traditional investigative resources available, such as witness statements or surveillance footage,” the release reads. “As a result, investigators must rely on more creative and time-consuming methods of gathering information. We are currently in contact with our federal partners regarding this investigation.”

The department said in a statement that it was “thoroughly investigating all aspects of this incident to determine whether it was racially, religiously or politically motivated.” He added that MPD is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all community members.

Chief of Police in Mukilteo Andy Illyn addressed the report of the robbery in a department press release.

“Any acts or threats of violence will not be tolerated in this community,” Illyn said. “I am incredibly proud and grateful to the dedicated officers and detectives working on this case, and I am confident that they will not stand idle in the pursuit of justice.”

Khan’s opponent, Democratic incumbent Strom Peterson, who previously worked with Khan before Khan switched parties, condemned the alleged assault: – Herald reported. Peterson called it “very disturbing and disturbing” on Thursday. He added that it is important to remain “vigilant” and not normalize behavior.

The reported incident was disturbing CAIRO-WA Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi. However, the leader added that this would not stop Muslims from engaging in politics.

“We are upset to hear about this alleged bigoted attack and call on law enforcement to quickly and thoroughly apprehend those responsible,” Siddiqi said in a statement from the organization. “Acts of violence will not deter American Muslims from participating in the political process.”

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According to MPD, the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who was in the area at the time or has information about the incident should contact investigators at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip to mycrimereport.us.

Steve Coogan is the editor-in-chief of MyNorthwest. You can read more of his stories Here. Follow Steve Xor write to him here.