Mukilteo police are seeking information on the attack on a sign-installing candidate

The Mukilteo Police Department (MPD) is seeking information on a reported attack on a political candidate who was installing signs along the Mukilteo Speedway last weekend.

Members of the MPD responded to the incident around 2 a.m. last Saturday around the 1200 block of Mukilteo Speedway, according to a news release the department sent to members of the press. When officers arrived, Riaz Khan, currently a Republican candidate for the 21st Legislative District of the Washington State House of Representatives and a former member of the Mukilteo City Council, reported that he had been attacked by two unknown men while he was installing campaign signs.

Khan stated that the two men hit him with sticks and then fled the scene. After arriving at the scene, officers conducted a thorough environmental check on the suspects. However, neither the suspects nor a vehicle they may have used were found.

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

“It’s unexpected, this is unbelievable,” Khan said the Everett exit. “This hate crime has no place in our city, something like this should not happen.”

Khan is Muslim and born in India, the Herald also noted.

The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), the country’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, released a statement on the incident on Thursday.

That’s what the attackers claim called Khan a “damn foreigner” and a “Trump supporter.” Khan said his attackers were two white men, between the ages of 30 and 40, according to CAIR-WA.

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More about the Mukilteo police investigation

The department noted that due to the time of day the reported attack occurred, it would be more difficult to conduct an investigation. It also stated that it is working with federal partners.

“Due to the time and location, many traditional investigative methods, such as witness statements or surveillance videos, are lacking,” the statement said. “As such, researchers must rely on more creative and time-consuming methods to gather information. We are currently in contact with our federal partners regarding this investigation.”

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

Mukilteo Police Chief Andy Illyn weighed in on the reported attack in the department’s news release.

“Any act or threat of violence will not be tolerated within this community,” Illyn said. “I am incredibly proud and grateful for the dedicated officers and detectives working on this case, and I am confident they will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.”

Khan’s opponent, incumbent Democratic Rep. Strom Peterson, who previously worked with Khan before Khan switched sides, denounced the alleged attack. the Herald reported. On Thursday, Peterson called it “very concerning and disturbing.” He added that it is important to be “vigilant” and not normalize the behavior.

The reported incident was disruptive CAIR-WA Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi. But the leader added that this will not deter Muslims from remaining involved in politics.

“We are appalled to learn of this alleged bigoted attack and urge law enforcement authorities to be swift and thorough in arresting those responsible,” Siddiqi said in the organization’s statement. “Acts of violence will not deter American Muslims from participating in the political process.”

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This remains an active investigation, the MPD reported. Anyone who was in the area at the time or has information about the incident is encouraged to contact investigators at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip at mycrimereport.us.

Steve Coogan is the editor-in-chief of MyNorthwest. You can read more of his stories here. Follow Steve further Xor email it here.