DEARBORN – The city has issued a press release stating that an incident that occurred at a Kroger last Thursday, February 12, 2015 involving two white males from Taylor who attacked a Muslim father while he was shopping with his children does not classify as a hate crime

In a press release the city said;

“All of the facts have been presented to our law enforcement partners at the federal level and it has been determined that the elements of a hate crime for federal prosecution have not been met in this case.”

The city went on to state that abusive language may have been used during the altercation, but it has no credible sources to verify that. 

“At this time there are conflicting reports from eyewitnesses as to who initiated the altercation.  Also notable is that certain witnesses who have been active on social media have given reports which contradict the version of events as described by all combatants.  It is important that we maintain the integrity of our investigation and look at the facts objectively to determine what actually occurred during this incident,” the press release also stated.

The city also said that Kroger employees used correct protocol in dealing with the incident, despite conflicting eye-witness reports that stated employees may have been videotaping the incident.

“Kroger employees acted swiftly to end this altercation and render aid.  None of the employees are related to any of the combatants and none of the combatants were Kroger employees despite rumors to the contrary,” the press release said.

The city said they are handing the investigation over to Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s office to determine whether possible charges should be warranted. 

The Kroger incident sparked outrage and fear last week, after multiple witness said a Muslim man and his children were selecting grocery items in one of the store’s aisles when two White men crossed paths with the family and began making derogatory remarks. 

According to Mayor Jack O’Reilly, the altercation may have transpired after the two white men heard the Muslim dad speaking to his children in Arabic.

They began to physically assault the Arab man, making comments that included “go back to your country” and “you terrorists” and suggesting the family was related to ISIS. One of the men told the Muslim man’s young daughter to “take the rag off her head.” 

The event escalated into violence, and there were reports of injuries during the assault. According to the city, the two males who instigated the altercation suffered more injuries than the victim. 

The Kroger co. has still not acknowledged the incident or answered phone calls and emails for a statement.