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A wave of shock and outrage is rippling through the South Bay Islamic community after an elderly Muslim worshipper was allegedly targeted in a hateful attack during the holy month of Ramadan. Mark Allen, 59, of Morgan Hill, has been arrested and now faces a hate crime charge in connection with the disturbing incident that reportedly occurred on the evening of March 7 at the Morgan Hill Community Center.
According to Morgan Hill Police, Allen surrendered to authorities following an investigation into the alleged assault. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Bay Area office provided a harrowing account, stating that the suspect accosted multiple members of the South Valley Islamic Community Center after their evening prayers. Witnesses reported that Allen allegedly unleashed a torrent of anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic slurs, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation within the sacred space.
The situation tragically escalated when the suspect allegedly physically assaulted a vulnerable 76-year-old man who was present at the mosque with his daughter. Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, in an interview with CBS News Bay Area, revealed the distressing details, stating that the elderly victim was wearing traditional prayer attire when Allen allegedly pushed him. The force of the push nearly caused the elderly man to fall, but thankfully, others present at the scene were able to prevent a serious injury.
District Attorney Rosen emphasized the gravity of the alleged crime, stating, "In a county as diverse as Santa Clara County's, where there is people of every religion, every ethnicity, every sexual orientation, from all over the world, it's incredibly important that we all get along with one other. And when someone targets someone or singles them out because of their religious difference or ethnic difference, if we don't take a very strong stand against that, we risk losing the fabric of our community." Rosen indicated that if convicted, Allen could face up to one year in jail.
The board of directors of the targeted mosque released a statement expressing their gratitude to the District Attorney's Office for treating the incident with the seriousness it deserves. "Our community came together during Ramadan in faith, and we should never have to fear being attacked while doing so. We hope this sends a strong message that hate has no home in Morgan Hill." Their words underscore the profound sense of violation and the urgent need for justice in the wake of this alleged hate-fueled act.
CAIR attorney Bismah Jaffer echoed this sentiment, stating, "After working closely with the victims, we know this necessary step helps demonstrate the District Attorney's support for the Muslim community's safety and well-being. It also sends a clear message that targeting Muslims, Palestinians, or allies will not be tolerated."
Mayor Mark Turner of Morgan Hill also addressed the incident, stating on social media, "Our Muslim neighbors, like all residents, deserve to feel safe and respected. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone can live without fear. Let this serve as a reminder that hate will not go unaddressed in Morgan Hill." His words offer a measure of reassurance to a community shaken by the alleged attack.
District Attorney Rosen also highlighted a worrying trend, noting an increase in hate crime cases in the county this year, with the Latino, African-American, and LGBTQ+ communities being the primary targets. This alleged attack on a Muslim worshipper during Ramadan adds to these growing concerns and underscores the urgent need to combat hate in all its forms.
Court records indicate that Mark Allen is scheduled to be arraigned on May 30, where the legal process to hold him accountable for his alleged actions will begin. The South Bay community stands in solidarity with the victim and the South Valley Islamic Community Center, hoping for justice and a clear message that hate and intolerance will not be tolerated in their diverse and vibrant region. The alleged targeting of an elderly man in a place of worship during a sacred time serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of faith communities and the importance of standing firm against all acts of hate.
