CAIR Welcomes Hate Crime Charge for Alleged Assault Targeting Muslim Woman in Vermont

 The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, today called welcomed a hate crime charge for an alleged bias-motivated assault targeting Muslim woman in Vermont.

52-year-old Jonathan Strippe of Burlington is facing charges of simple assault, unlawful mischief and hate-motivated crimes after he allegedly assaulted a woman wearing an Islamic head scarf, or hijab, on Tuesday and made derogatory comments to her.

Strippe allegedly “assaulted the victim, damaged her cellphone and made several derogatory statements about her perceived race, religion and country of origin.”

SEE: Man charged with hate-motivated assault of woman wearing hijab in South Burlington

In a statement, CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor said:

“We welcome the decision to pursue a hate crime charge in this disturbing alleged bias-motivated assault. No one should be targeted because they wear religious attire or because of their faith or perceived background. We thank law enforcement for recognizing the alleged bias motivation in this case and urge prosecutors to pursue accountability. Unfortunately, this incident is part of a broader pattern of rising anti-Muslim harassment and violence that underscores the need for continued vigilance against hate.”

He noted that CAIR’s latest civil rights report documented 8,683 anti-Muslim bias complaints in 2025 – the highest number ever recorded by the organization since it began publishing civil rights reports in 1996.

Earlier this week, CAIR said it has documented 17 incidents targeting Islamic places of worship in May, June, and July to date. The 17 incidents represent 51 percent of the previous year’s total and a 183 percent increase over the same three-month period last year, during which CAIR documented six such incidents.

Yesterday, CAIR welcomed the filing of assault charges against an individual accused of threatening a New Mexico Catholic priest who publicly supported the proposed construction of a mosque in Albuquerque’s North Valley.

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. 

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.   

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