MINNESOTA – The Council
on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) of Minnesota is asking federal officials
to investigate the shooting of two Muslim men who were shot down on the way
to a mosque early Wednesday morning.

“The Muslim victims, who were dressed in
Islamic attire, were reportedly attacked as they headed to a mosque to perform
nightly Ramadan prayers,” the group said in a statement. “Two of the
Muslim men targeted by the shooter were treated at a local hospital and then
released. The incident is not currently being investigated as a hate crime.”

One victim, 22-year-old Hussein Gelle told Minnesota Public Radio that the shooter
made disrespectful statements about Muslims before the shooting. He allegedly
said “F*ck Muslims” before firing his gun.

Gelle was struck in the leg, but he and the other victim
survived.

“I’m scared for not
only myself but for Muslims in general that are living in the state but this
country,” Gelle said. “I’m confused. I don’t know why because the guy, we did
nothing to antagonize him. He wanted to shoot us. He said what are you guys
going to do about it? He wanted something to happen.”

The Minnesota Police
Department told MPR the incident isn’t being investigated as a hate crime as
of this moment. No arrests have been made. No suspect has been identified.