The FBI comment has been incorporated into this story.
In response to accusations of threats made against a Muslim candidate for city council in the August 26 election, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato issued a statement today.
Brocato declared, “We will not allow hate to triumph.”
Following the discovery of death threats, derogatory remarks, and other offensive content directed against candidate Tanveer Patel on social media, the mayor made the announcement Tuesday afternoon. William White, Patel’s lawyer, said the FBI has been notified and the Hoover Police Department is conducting an investigation.
Only the following statement was released by the FBI office in Birmingham: The FBI neither confirms nor denies the existence of an inquiry.
Authorities in Georgia have identified a suspect in connection with some of the remarks, White said the Hoover Sun.
Earlier Tuesday, Patel spoke at a press conference about the threats.
We traveled from India to this nation, and I consider myself fortunate to be able to live the American dream here. “Here in Alabama, I’ve built a life, a business, and a family,” Patel stated during the conference. The last several days have been excruciatingly uncomfortable. I’ve gotten insults, hate mail, and even threats of death directed at my family and me. It has upset our family, our peace of mind, and ourselves.
“It is not only frightening, but it is heartbreaking to be told that I should be sent back to India, called a raghead, or threatened with violence,” Patel added.
These threats are intended to scare our community, silence me, and restrict our ability to vote. To be clear, though, I still have faith in America. I continue to believe in the American dream, which holds that every citizen has the right to live freely and to fully participate in this democracy regardless of their background or religion. I also continue to believe in the red, white, and blue. Hatred won’t prevail.
The threats, which were first made to Patel’s Facebook account, include derogatory remarks directed at her heritage. In his remark, Brocato stated, “We take this very seriously.”
In order to ensure that every one of our citizens has access to free and secure voting opportunities, the Hoover Police Department is conducting an investigation and has a plan in place. According to Brocato, “We urge everyone to cast their ballot on Tuesday and to feel completely secure in their surroundings.”
I denounce hostility toward anyone in our city in my capacity as mayor. What makes us unique at Hoover is our variety. In every way, it is admirable and deserves to be honored. Our Hoover Police Department has my utmost trust. Hatred will not prevail.
Patel’s Facebook profile has the following comments: Does this imply that a Sharia law court will be established in Hoover? It begins by gradually evading the constitutional courts. A poster claiming to be Timothy Pop Darby is merely requesting a friend.
A picture of President Donald Trump pointing is also included in the critical remarks, along with the statement, “Get Out!” from Ida John. David Burns’s portrayal of a bomb dropping on praying Muslims, along with other rants filled with foul language.
Patel, the co-founder and former CEO of ConcertIDC, a technology firm based in Birmingham, is vying with Robin Schultz for the top spot on the Hoover City Council. According to the website, Patel established a successful business specializing in providing cutting-edge healthcare and custom software solutions.
According to the website, Patel also co-founded the Red Crescent Clinic of Alabama in Hoover, which offers free medical care to more than 700 uninsured individuals each year. She is active with several groups, including Leadership Birmingham, Leadership Hoover, Momentum Leadership for Women, Alabama Launchpad, and the FBI Citizens Academy. In 2017, she was recognized as one of the Women Who Shape the State.
Her agenda for the campaign includes making sure Hoover continues to be a place where families prosper, businesses expand, and everyone is accepted.
Before publishing, AL.com contacted Patel for additional comment but did not hear back.
