Activist Cites Race in Car Shootings
Activist Najee Ali called Monday for the FBI to join the investigation into a series of Southland freeway shootings, saying some of the cases were racially motivated hate crimes.
Ali, director of Project Islamic Hope, told reporters that some of the African American victims were shot by Latinos, although he did not provide information to back up his allegations.
Law enforcement officials were quick to say they are unaware of a racial motive in the shootings, which began on the Costa Mesa Freeway in Tustin on March 12.
Altogether, four people have died in more than two dozen freeway shootings in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and Ventura counties.
LAPD Officer Jason Lee said the investigation into the incidents in the city of Los Angeles is continuing, adding that there is “no definitive reason to believe these are racially motivated.”
California Highway Patrol Lt. Joe Whiteford said he had not heard about a racial motive.
FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said the agency has offered to assist but its help has not been requested.
Ali called for Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca and FBI representatives to meet with community activists to discuss the shootings.
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