US News

BRONX HATE SPREE EYED

Police are investigating a recent series of attacks as potential hate crimes against Muslim West African immigrants in The Bronx.

Commissioner Ray Kelly met yesterday with Muslim religious leaders and police brass to discuss the attacks that have occurred near the Butler Houses on Webster Avenue in the Claremont neighborhood.

There will be increased patrols in the area, and police officials have held two meetings with the frightened community to discuss safety.

But many area residents remained terrified that they would be the next victim.

“The people come from the mosque, and they attack them. Sometimes they grab the people and ask for money and they take money,” said Mahamadou Soukouma, 40, a native of Mali and resident of the Butler Houses.

“The area is no good. If you go from the mosque to your house, you are scared.”