Monday, March 7, 2011
Film / News Filmmaker Usama Alshaibi Says He Was Beaten in Anti-Arab attack
Posted by Ed M. Koziarski on 03.07.11 at 09:47 AM
Filmmaker Usama Alshaibi was claims to have been beaten in an anti-Arab attack Saturday night in Fairfield, Iowa, where he moved with his wife Kristie last summer after 16 years in Chicago.
Alshaibi had posted a response video on Friday to the viral Hate Comes to Orange County video, which depicts protesters threatening Muslim families and children with violence. Alshaibi's response essentially said "it’s our country too."
The Baghdad-born, Iowa-bred Alshaibi is in progress on the Kartemquin Films documentary American Arab, about his own and other Arabs' experience growing up in the U.S. with dual identities.
Walking home alone after dinner with a friend late Saturday, Alshaibi happened upon a house party. He writes in a statement (reprinted with permission):
"I spoke with a girl standing outside the house where I heard the sounds. I asked her 'where’s the party?' She said 'The party’s upstairs.'
The door was open. I went into the house and up the stairs. As I entered someone asked me who I was. I told them my name — Usama. At that point I was hit by someone in the sides and the face. My glasses were knocked off my face. Someone said 'How dare you come in here, you sand nigger. Fucking Usama Bin Laden, you sand nigger.' Four young men began beating me as I tried to leave. I told them to please stop and that I was leaving. I ended up on the ground outside the house where they continued to kick me in the face repeatedly, and kept calling me 'sand nigger.' I tried to cover my face with my arms to block the blows.
Afterward, with my face and eyes covered in blood and having difficulty seeing without my glasses, I made my way to the parking lot of Family Video at Burlington and 9th. I called my friend Manuel who came to find me...
I am the victim of a hate crime and I would like this case to be treated accordingly."
Update: donations for Alshaibi's medical and legal expenses can be made here.
Update 2: Fairfield Police Chief Julie Harvey says her department is treating it as a hate crime, according to the Associated Press.
"Is it a hate crime? Yeah, by what they were calling him," she said. "We just don't have an idea of where the incident took place at. It's a high rental district. There's a lot of people in and out, in and out. We just got to locate the house and then go from there."
Update 3: Tim Dille, attorney for Jefferson County, in which Fairfield is located, confirmed reports Tuesday afternoon that after a door-to-door canvas of the area, police had identified the house where the attack occurred, and that police and investigators from the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations were questioning witnesses.
"We're interviewing people who were there and trying to get as much information as we can to determine whether or not charges should be filed, and what charges should be filed," Dille said in a phone interview. "It's being investigated as an assault. If it's determined that an assault has occurred, the Iowa Code has provisions for a hate crime enhancement, and if it's determined that's appropriate, we will charge [suspects] with that."
Dille said no suspects had yet been identified. "We're just trying to determine who was involved, what happened, and the exact set of circumstances that did occur," he said.
Comments (46)
Showing 1-46 of 46
We're not all racist assholes. This story is truly devastating to read. I am so sorry.
like
dislike
Ugh... fellow Iowan here. Can't describe how sad this makes me. I'm always proud to say that Iowans are more open-minded than people give them credit for, and I hope that this case does not prove otherwise.
I hope, like Usama that elected officials who espouse this violence will be defeated at the poles, but remember, they were elected by the kind of people who beat him up. I hope his experience will be incorporated into the film he's making, "American Arab." To those people, logical arguments will not convince. They try to use patriotism and anti-terrorist rhetoric to hide their racism. They are bolstered by the Fixed News gang and all those who want an ignorant, unthinking population they can manipulate. They call it their "base." I will watch to see if the perpetrators of this attack are ever prosecuted.
Uninvited guest, alcohol, no independent corroboration of slurs, police reports or witnesses. I'd like to see some additional informationefore we all jump on the poor Usama/isn't Iowa terrible bandwagon.
As a Muslim I have to say this is clearly usama's fault. You had no business going looking for a party. Rednecks have a right in this country to Party without uninvited guests showing up. Don't play the victim but read the Quran, "when they asked why this calamity happened, We answered, "Say: It is from your own deeds." Partying Western style is haram, my brother and you should know that. Tough luck; quite whining and stay out of rednecks homes when looking for "fun".
Muhimonly. I hope your are kidding or confused, because you literally said he is at fault for being who he is. That is not alright in anyway shape or form. You are siding with the "rights" of bigots to oppress, threaten, and assault people and making it the victim's fault. You should be ashamed of yourself.
@LindaT and Iowa John...WOW, you are blaming the victim? That's like saying a rape victim deserved it because she went out late at night or walked home unescorted. Usama was not beat up because he went into a party uninvited (in fact he was welcomed until they heard his name), but because he is Arab. This is an unadulterated hate crime and you should be ashamed of yourselves for victim-blaming.
@IowaJohn - I'd find your argument much more compelling if I had never been to Iowa.
-- MrJM
@Iowa John....Yeah, and when a rape victim comes forward I bet you say it's just "one side of the story from an interested party." Yes this happened in Iowa, but similar attacks have happened all over the US. You shouldn't discount it just because you don't want to believe there are bigots in Iowa. I'm from California and there are bigots here too.
Well, Anne, thanks for attributing words and thoughts to me that I don't have. For the record, I know that there are bigots in Iowa (went to grad school there) and know that they exist elsewhere in the world. As for your ad hominem about rape victims, doesn't that seem the tiniest bit silly to you, accusing someone you've never met of terrible things? How could you possibly know?
As for Usama, he's telling a tale of woe, which may very well be true, and he's soliciting money. The incident itself includes 1- Booze 2- Violence and 3- Claims of victimhood, both physical and ethnic. His story may be 100 percent true, and if so, shame on the men who did it, both for fighting in a pack and for the ethnic prejudice.
The thing is, that you, me or anyone else has no possible way of evaluating Usama's claims based on the evidence presented here. The fact pattern may be the way Usama says it is.
But big claims (ethnic prejudice leading to attempted murder) require big proof, and this story offers literally nothing besides one man's word. There is nothing from the friend, there is no attempt to call the police/obtain the report, there is nothing besides "I am a victim, here is my sad tale, and send me money". Even by blog standards, this is thinly sourced
Fairfield here... Sad to hear this happened in our city (one of the most progressive small towns in Iowa, along with a college population of over half international students). A friend of mine was jumped walking back from Vivo's the other week. He said they just popped out of the bushes and ambushed him. He's a regular caucasian guy. Hopefully your film brings this to light Usama! Best wishes!
These are valid points (and what stops us from being a mob-justice, hang 'em high lawless society), but I'd disagree with your last point. This is a good topic for a blog even if it turns out to be 100% fake, as why on earth anyone would fake this (and what they would hope to gain) will be an interesting story in and of itself.
"The thing is, that you, me or anyone else has no possible way of evaluating Usama's claims based on the evidence presented here. The fact pattern may be the way Usama says it is.
But big claims (ethnic prejudice leading to attempted murder) require big proof, and this story offers literally nothing besides one man's word. There is nothing from the friend, there is no attempt to call the police/obtain the report, there is nothing besides "I am a victim, here is my sad tale, and send me money". Even by blog standards, this is thinly sourced"
A different perspective from Fairfield - from a native NYer. One can only hope that no person would fake such a thing. Assuming he hasn't, one can also hope that both sides of the story are brought to light so that if this was indeed a hate crime, that the perpetrators can be brought to justice. And if it is NOT a hate crime, that Usama can be man enough to admit that he bears at least some responsibility for his plight. I AM NOT JUDGING HERE as both of the scenarios I reference make me sick to my stomach. I'd just like to have all of the facts before making a harsh judgement either way and encourage you all to as well.
Iowa_John: "But big claims (ethnic prejudice leading to attempted murder) require big proof, and this story offers literally nothing besides one man's word."
From the Chicago Tribune: 'Fairfield Police Chief Julie Harvey said Monday officers believe Alshaibi's claims are credible because he was clearly assaulted, and they continue to search for the alleged assailants. *** "Is it a hate crime? Yeah, by what they were calling him," she said. "We just don't have an idea of where the incident took place at. It's a high rental district. There's a lot of people in and out, in and out. We just got to locate the house and then go from there."' http://bit.ly/FairfieldIA
But maybe Iowa_John somehow knows way more than the Iowa coppers investigating the case.
-- MrJM
Shameful and disgusting. I wonder how much of this sort of thing happens and is NOT reported.
Iowa John was specifically addressing the Reader blog post about this incident and pointing out that stories like this need to be reported, not just repeated. Which the *Tribune* did, not the Reader. But thanks MrJM for pointing out the Trib story, which does illuminate things and which is not referenced anywhere else on this post.
1. Usama is my nephew. He is an intelligent, creative, kind, and wonderful individual who was indeed a victim of a hate crime. I heard about the incident yesterday from him and his family before I read about it. He was beaten much, much worse than the story makes it seem. He is in considerable pain and needs additional medical care.
2. I am a native of Iowa--5th generation, to be exact, though I don't live there now, and a convert to Islam. Unfortunately, crimes like this can happen anywhere in the world. Just read some publications by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate crimes.
3. Was it wise for him to go into a house uninvited, of course not. Do some good & decent people do it, yes, they do. But they aren't beaten to a pulp and called racist names.
4. Do some Muslims drink, yes. Do all Catholics follow every teaching of their church? How about all Protestants, all Jews, Buddhists, etc., etc.,? No. Are there atheists and agnostics who are great people? Yes!! There are those who are observant and not observant of every stripe, in every corner of the world. Our world is big enough for them all if people would treat others with respect, dignity, and tolerance, as Usama always has.
Based on everything I know about this guy, and the fact that he has no police report, I wouldn't hold my breath on this one; wait for some real facts.
That being said, Muslims are being mistreated in this country; I can only hope this one doesn't bring negative publicity to a legitimate cause...
The environment in Iowa with regard to racial and minority relations has been tense for the past few years. Add this incident on to these:
1. There has been an increase of African American migration into the state (from Chicago and other areas) when a great deal of section 8 housing opened up a couple of years ago. There was an immediate increase in property, and in some cases, violent crime in some areas that had not routinely dealt with these issues very often.
2. There were a series of very ugly race related incidences ("wildings") at the 2010 Iowa State fair, where groups of teenagers sought out white fairgoers and brutally attacked them, calling it "Beat whitey night".
3. There is continuing political posturing and angry speech following the 2009 supreme court decision that legalized gay marriage in the state, and subsequently resulted in several judges being voted out on the 2010 retention ballot: something that has rarely happened in the states history.
Iowans, in my experience, are friendly, mind-your-own business types, but drunken college age kids will react in this way: there was a guy who was stabbed to death after refusing to let someone into a fraternity party in Ames during the VEISHA festival a few years ago. Alcohol will make bad things like this happen.
To anyone who questions Usama's story, I can tell you, as a longtime friend, that he is truly the most compassionate, honest, and straightforward person I have ever met. If you in any way are trying to imply that his story is a call for attention toward his work or to solicit money, then I suppose I'd lump you into the same group as I would the attackers-you live in the dark side of the universe that doesn't trust anyone and I feel sorry for you. Usama however, I am positive, will come out of this strong and will continue to find truth in the world just as he did before.
JohnShowalter: "Based on everything I know about this guy, and the fact that he has no police report, I wouldn't hold my breath on this one; wait for some real facts."
What in the hell are you talking about? The Iowa cops sure seem to think that a police report has been filed.
-- MrJM
Hmmm....story keeps changing....ever see someone after a fight...they don't look like this.....He was unable to identify the house....this is a really small town ....things don't add up. I'm thinking he was lucky he wasn't shot as he coukld have been for going into someone's home UNINVITED. Does he have a film to promote, let'sthink about it.
this is not usama's first fight, nor is it the first alcohol-fueled experience that sucked for him and others around him. regardless, of course he does not deserve this treatment, nobody does. i don't have any doubt he was threatened or that it was a hate crime. i wish him a speedy recovery.
Ignorant posts are ignorant.
Why is everyone on here named John a cold hearted "Skeptic"? Last time I checked skepticism wasn't assume the worst about the victim.
@iaGRL "ever see someone after a fight...they don't look like this"
It wasn't a fight, it was a beating. And what? Are you saying he did this to himself? You watch too much TV. Get real. As for him going in "UNINVITED" he was invited, it was an open door house party. Stop making excuses for ignorance with your own brand of it.
You people are far too removed from the human condition. Really, listen to yourselves.
for the record: usama was absolutely wasted drunk that night. he was seen at a bar earlier, hitting on women, and in my attempt to be polite & friendly with him, he brushed me off rather rudely. my friend, who knows him better, even told me that she'd never seen him so intoxicated and out of it. violence is never cool. but 'ask & ye shall receive'. he definitely was asking for this to happen, whether consciously or unconsciously.
Yeah, but what about the time Alshaibi saved Sioux City from Dr. Cyclops? Everybody remembers that!
Born and raised on the East Side of Waterloo Iowa (mention this since I'm pretty sure that's where 'waji' is referring to in their 'point' #1) and living in NJ for the last ten years and I always think, really...racism in Iowa isn't so much worse than the racism in Jersey...then I read some crap from some asshat like Waji and I'm reminded once again...oh...yeah. Newsflash-minorites have lived in Iowa for decades and generations...this is not a new phenomenon just because YOU suddenly noticed it. Several of my friends and my mother still live there and I'm there every year and I'm gonna guess one could more accurately attribute any rise in violence or property damage to the growing meth-head population. That being said, there ARE racist assholes EVERYWHERE and yes, alcohol is BAD. Yet, I do believe Usama's story, based on his general reputation ...but he should have smoked a joint instead.
EDIT: Holy crap, that is a lot of text. Oh well, read it if you want. I made sure not to sound like an idiot.
Some people need to calm down in this comment section. I understand that emotions are high because of the topic, but that doesn't mean that people can start accusing others of thinking in ways they don't. Take this whole "Iowa John" argument, for example. Can't anyone going against him see at least part of his point of view?
I mean think about it: Usama is walking ALONE, down the street on a LATE SATURDAY NIGHT, when he arrives at the house of a STRANGER. There is a party going on, which makes it safe to assume people were DRINKING. Instead of just going home (like I, or anyone else I can think of would), he decides to trust a RANDOM GIRL and walk into the stranger's house alone and UNINVITED (no, "AnneWinfrey," he was at no point welcomed. He said that he was asked his name "upon entering," which means that immediately after stepping foot inside he was asked, most likely because the owner was wondering who the hell Usama was). If someone just walked into my house just because I was having a party, I would be pretty pissed off.
Now, am I justifying what those people did to Usama? Absolutely not; I hope that is very clear. However, had Usama used his brain that evening, he could have avoided that whole ordeal. I also want it to be clear that I am not "blaming the victim," I am only saying that he should have used the safety tips we all learn in 4th grade.
Also, there are two possibilities that would change this story completely:
1) He is currently making a film about the struggles of Arab Americans in today's society; isn't a little odd that this happens right in the midst of producing his film? Isn't the near-perfect timing of the event strange? Now, it is entirely possible that it is a complete coincidence. But basically, the question I am asking is: Is this some form of ruse to promote or provide better material for his movie?
2) As I said before, it was a party, and all the people there were probably pretty drunk.
You can get pretty angry and say some stupid stuff when you're drunk. Isn't it possible that they were beating up Usama because he came into their home uninvited?* As for the racial slurs, it could have just been the booze-fueled anger talking. It's like when you call someone that you are mad at an "asshole." The only thing is, the phrase they used was obviously a lot more severe, which is exactly why they would have used it. They were really pissed off, and really drunk, so they wanted to pick an insult that would really sting, rather than the generic everyday "asshole." Of course, I could be completely wrong, but none of us were there.
[*in which case the attack is completely justified in a court of law.]
I'm not a bad person. In no way, shape, or form am I trying to say that Usama deserved this. I hope he heals well and never gets treated in such a was again. All I'm trying to say is that everything isn't as black and whit as the page of an article.
iaGRL: "I'm thinking he was lucky he wasn't shot as he coukld have been for going into someone's home UNINVITED."
"Iowa: 165 Years of Making Downstate Illinois Look Good."
-- MrJM
Note to blife: calling me an "asshat", doesn't make anything that I posted incorrect. And no, I wasn't referring specifically to the eastside of waterloo. This is a statewide phenomena. The fact that you immediately seemed to recognize & identify with it only reinforces that. and here's a "newsflash" for you, Meth has been a problem in Iowa for decades as well. Facts are facts. No one deserves violence. Alcohol is bad. Glad you agree with me.
Since you seem to want to state the obvious, lets get it all noted:
1. Meth is bad
2. There are minorities in Iowa (including me for a time), and have been for well over 100 years.
3. The sky is blue
4. Racism exists everywhere. (Glad we agree on that also!)
5. There's corn growing going on.
Any other other strawmen you want to accuse me of building?
No one knows the truth of what happened besides the man who was beat and the men who beat him - arguing over it is pointless. A conversation worth having is: Under what circumstances is one person who is beat by a group of people is "asking for it"? If a person (drunk or not), enters an open door to a party to which he is unwelcome, what he deserves is to be asked to leave. Doesn't even have to be polite, a "get the fuck out of here" would be just fine.
Having grown up in Fairfield, IA I can definitely see this happening. However, I have a hard time seeing this as a hate crime. The racial slurs were probably a bit much, but remember that you are dealing with a large population of hicks in that town.
Just two weeks ago a similar thing happened to me in Florida. I crashed a party on my way home. I walked in uninvited. Im white. Seven guys gave me a black eye that lasted a week and a half.
Moral of the story - Dont crash parties that dont have enough women to go around. There are sure to be plenty of young bucks looking to kick some ass.
I wouldn't really call this an "anti-arab attack". I would call it someone getting their ass kicked. What was Usama doing talking to girls at a late night house party? Where was his wife??? Sounds like everyone involved needs to grow up.
I walked into Vivo (the bar this guy was at before the attack on Saturday night) at about 11:30pm, and he started yelling at my friends and I. He was belligerently drunk and he was threatening ME. I had never seen him before and I did absolutely nothing to provoke him. I simply walked into the bar and he started yelling. It was so bad that his friend made a gesture to me like, "I'm sorry" and pulled him back. I just kept walking. An hour later the cops came to Vivo asking the bartender for information about his behavior earlier at the bar because apparently he was yelling at other people too, and they had complained. I'm absolutely and positively not saying he deserved this. If he was indeed attacked, unprovoked, his story should be taken seriously and those responsible should be punished. But I hope this isn't a publicity stunt to give my town a reputation that I don't think it deserves.
@Fairfield...
If your statement is true I hope you've gone to the Fairfield Police and made a statement. What you've said could be very important to determining the credibility of his account of what happened..
"#2) this guy is Muslim? and he was drunk? - oh well live and learn right mohammed?"
Next you're going to tell me that Catholic girls get abortions.
"If this guy had enetred my house party uninvited(and I live in Iowa)"
False premise: Listening to a Night Ranger mix-tape and making out with your second cousin is not a "house party"
-- MrJM
Some interesting photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15118884@N00/…
bit of a makeup artist, apparently:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15118884@N00/…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15118884@N00/…
Get a load of this site. Any of you guys comment over there?
http://barenakedislam.wordpress.com/2011/0…
Comments are closed.
