The Justice Department is reportedly considering launching a civil rights investigation against a Florida gun store owner who wants to ban Muslims from his shop.
According to several reports, Islamic advocacy groups have asked the Feds to look into Florida Gun Supply after owner Andy Hallinan posted a video on his company's Facebook page declaring his business a "Muslim-free zone." The announcement— which gained national attention — comes less than a week after Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez allegedly shot and killed five at military recruiting stations in Tennessee.
"Our leaders are telling us that Islam is a peaceful religion, full of tolerance and love and hope. Don't believe their lies," Hallinan says in his video. "Effective immediately, I'm declaring Florida Gun Supply as a Muslim-free zone. I will not arm and train those who wish to do harm to my fellow patriots."
Hallinan went on to say concealed carry classes and range time would be offered free of charge "in case we are ever called upon to protect our lives and our community."
In the wake of the Florida Gun Supply video, The Council on American Islamic Relations reportedly asked the DOJ to investigate Hallinan for civil rights violations, The Daily Dot reported.
In an interview, a CAIR official told the website Hallinan's video shows his business is "blatantly anti-Muslim" and that the Feds should protect against establishing "a pattern where this kind of discriminatory practice is accepted by society as a whole."
The DOJ reportedly said it will review CAIR's request and that the law bans businesses from "discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion or national origin."
