Community calls on Columbus police to file charges after attack on Somali woman
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Central Ohio's Chapter on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called on the Columbus Division of Police to arrest and charge people who allegedly attacked a Somali mother last month.
On March 20, a Somali woman was attacked after dropping off her child at the bus stop. Surveillance footage from the day released by police shows multiple people attacking her.
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CAIR Ohio called it a hate crime and said Columbus police need to do more.
'We need to see some real action bringing those people to justice,' CAIR Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani said. 'It should not take from March 20 until now, it should not take a press conference.'
About a week after the incident, the victim, CAIR Ohio, and other Somali community leaders met with Columbus police. CPD leaders gave the group an update on the case, saying they had identified two people allegedly involved and said charges would be filed against them soon.
Since the meeting, CAIR Ohio leaders said they have not heard much from police and called on law enforcement to take action.
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'I am certain that law enforcement understands our concerns, but we need to see action and we need reassurance,' CAIR Ohio Community Advocate Ahisa Liban said. 'We need them to condemn this violent attack.'
State Rep. Ismail Mohamed arranged the meeting between the Somali community and police, saying it was a positive experience and he trusts police to continue to investigate.
'So the city has been responsive, I think, but you can imagine it's a slow process and I can understand the frustration as well,' Mohamed said. 'I'm an attorney so I get it. But, you know, justice is not always swift.'
He considers the attack a hate crime but understands that it is up to prosecutors to determine.
'I can understand the frustration that maybe things are not going as fast as possible, but certainly, you know, I think positive steps are being taken by the city of Columbus, by law enforcement, to, of course, be as responsive as they can,' Mohamed said.
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In a statement, Columbus police said, 'Detectives with the Columbus Division of Police Zone Investigations Unit completed their investigation, identifying two individuals to be charged, one of whom is a minor. The City Attorney's Office is working with the victim to file criminal charges and will prosecute the case to the fullest extent possible.'
In the statement, police also mentioned there was a complaint about the officers who responded to the attack on the woman, which is being independently investigated. Police said the division is committed to strengthening trust and communication with all immigrant and faith communities.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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