(CINCINNATI, OH – 7/27/23) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the firing of an officer involved in the recent mauling of a black man by a police dog during a traffic stop after the man raised his hands in the air.
The Circleville Police Department said Ryan Speakman was fired because he “did not meet the standards and expectations we hold for our police officers.”
SEE: Ohio officer fired after letting his police dog attack a surrendering truck driver
Washington, D.C., based CAIR had previously condemn the mauling and thanked Ohio State Highway Patrol officers for their professional actions, in contradiction to the actions of the local police officer who released the dog.
“We welcome the firing of the officer who released the dog to attack the suspect as a sign that such disturbing actions will not be tolerated or excused,” said CAIR-Ohio, Cincinnati & Columbus Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “We urge local police departments nationwide to use this as a teaching moment to ensure the respectful and non-violent treatment of all suspects.”
She said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
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.
END
CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cincinnati & Columbus Executive Director Amina Barhumi, abarhumi@cair.com, 614-763-6557
