The strange backstory on the anti-Muslim cab attack

[marmar]

from the New York Times:




Student Arraigned in Anti-Muslim Stabbing of Cabdriver
By KAREN ZRAICK AND ANDY NEWMAN


Update, 5:24 p.m. | The man charged with the anti-Muslim slashing and stabbing of a cabdriver was arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Manhattan Criminal Court on charges of second-degree attempted murder as a hate crime, first-degree assault as a hate crime and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

An emergency medical technician said that had the cut been any deeper or longer, the driver would have died, prosecutors said.

Judge ShawnDya L. Simpson ordered the man, Michael Enright, 21, held without bail.

James Zaleta, an assistant district attorney, said in court that Mr. Enright hailed a taxi near 24th Street and Second Avenue on Tuesday evening. Mr. Enright asked the taxi driver, who was from Bangladesh, whether he was Muslim, Mr. Zaleta said.

After the driver said he was, Mr. Enright responded with the Arabic greeting, “Asalam Alakum,” according to the criminal court complaint.

Then Mr. Enright said, “Consider this a checkpoint,” before pulling out a Leatherman utility knife and slashing the taxi driver’s throat, Mr. Zaleta said. The driver turned and Mr. Enright slashed him in his face and forearms, Mr. Zaleta said. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/cabbie-attacked/?hp

[mdmc]

1. Not guilty by reason of mental defect

my guess..

[mix]

2. vile

This is the Republican party at work and the corporate hate machine.

[JuniperLea]

4. They do bare the responsibility for this, no question...

He looks like a "good kid" too... I wonder if he's a church goer... there's a lot of hate in a lot of churches these days.

[babylonsister]

6. Supposedly he's a Dem...per politico...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=9013515

Politico: Anti-Muslim attacker works at pro-Park51 group and is a lefty

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[mix]

8. Republican values are that toxic, a plague. nt

[Booster]

9. And Glen Beck is grinning ear to ear.

[mike r]

3. "volunteer with organization that works to promote cross-cultural understanding"

WTF.

[mmonk]

5. I think it is related to his trip to Afghanistan.

The checkpoint comment stands out.