Hoover officials are condemning threats and slurs aimed at City Council candidate Tanveer Patel, as police and federal investigators review a wave of harassment tied to next week’s election.
According to CBS 42, Hoover Police and the FBI were notified after Patel reported receiving online messages that included racial insults and death threats.
Patel, a city resident running for Place 1, said the attacks were posted on her campaign’s Facebook page in recent days.
At a Tuesday press conference, Patel described the toll the harassment has taken on her family. “We came to this country from India and I have been blessed to live here and live the American dream,” she said.
“These past few days have been painful, very painful. My family and I have received hateful messages, insults, even death threats. It has shaken us up, our peace of mind and our family.”
Patel said the threats were designed to discourage both her and the community from civic participation, but she insisted she will not be silenced.
“To be told that I should be sent back to India, called a ‘raghead’ or to be threatened with violence is not only frightening; it is heartbreaking,” Patel said. “But I want to be clear: I still believe in America. I still believe in the red, white and blue, and I still believe in the American dream — that no matter your faith or background, every citizen has the right to live free and to participate fully in this democracy. Hate will not win.”
Her attorney, William White, told the Hoover Sun that authorities have identified a suspect in Georgia connected to some of the threatening comments. The FBI’s Birmingham office said it “neither confirms nor denies the existence of an investigation.”
Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato also weighed in.
In an official statement, the mayor condemned the attacks and promised residents will be safe at the polls. “We will not let hate win,” Brocato said.
“The Hoover Police Department is investigating and has a plan in place to make sure all of our residents enjoy free and safe opportunities to vote. We encourage everyone to get out and vote on Tuesday and to have full confidence that they will be completely safe in their environment.”
Patel, co-founder of Birmingham-based ConcertIDC and the Red Crescent Clinic of Alabama, has been recognized for her business leadership and community service. She faces Robin Schultz in the race for Hoover City Council Place 1.
Hoover’s municipal election will be held Tuesday, August 26.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
