Arab-Americans Respond to Shootings

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The D.C. area Islamic community has been quick to condemn Nidal Malik Hasan's alleged attack on dozens of people at Ft. Hood, Texas. They're taking a stand, and trying to cut off any impending backlash.

D.C. area Arab-American leaders are calling for calm. They do indeed fear there will be a backlash. They told FOX 5 the hate calls and hate emails have already begun.

Leaders from CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and local Imams held a news conference appealing for calm. They say they have already begun receiving hateful phone calls and emails.

They say they worry especially for Arab-American women whose clothing makes them a frequent target...and the estimated 11,000 Muslims serving in the U.S. military.