(PHOENIX, AZ, 6/26/19) – The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ) today expressed deep concerns over the fact that Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery is among nine candidates who remain under consideration for an Arizona Supreme Court opening.
SEE: DespiteControversy, Bill Montgomery’s Supreme Court Bid Moves Ahead
At a hearing discussing his nomination to the Arizona Supreme Court Tuesday, Arizona Muslims voiced their deep concerns regarding his bid to serve on the state’s highest court. Montgomery has long been a controversial figure amongst marginalized groups in Arizona, including bringing disgraced ex-FBI agent and hate group leader John Guandolo to train law enforcement officials in 2014.
SEE: CAIR: Conspiracy Theorist Scheduled to Train Arizona Police Says U.S. Mosques Seek ”˜Overthrow’ of Government
“Instead of shielding us from hate, Bill Montgomery brought the hate to our homes,” said Tabark Abdelhabib – a student and government affairs intern at CAIR-AZ during her public comment in front of the committee. At the hearing, multiple individuals stood in concern of Montgomery’s nomination, however the committee passed his candidacy onto the second round.
During the 2014 training, major police departments, prosecutors and other law enforcement officials attended Guandolo’s “Understanding the Threat” training, which is laced with debunked conspiracy theories and falsehoods about Islam and Muslims.
SEE: Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery Spent Public Money on Islam-Bashing Seminar
Local Muslim groups as well as coalition partners implored Montgomery to put a halt to this training, but their requests were ultimately rebuffed. In recent months, there have been additional revelations of Arizona police officers espousing anti-Muslim hatred on social media.
“The previous episode of Montgomery disregarding our community’s vocal opposition to Guandolo’s training has left deep wounds from which our community is still reeling,” said Imraan Siddiqi, CAIR-AZ’s executive director. “Based on this checkered history, we believe that there are better options to serve on our state’s highest court.”
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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CONTACT: CAIR-AZ Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi, [email protected]; 480-584-3886
