Rio 2016: US Muslim fencer 'doesn't feel safe' due to anti-Muslim sentiment in America

Ibtihaj Muhammad 

An American Muslim fencer, who is the country’s first Olympian to wear a hijab, says she does not feel safe in the US due to the country’s increased anti-Muslim rhetoric.
Ibtihaj Muhammad, 30, is currently in Rio de Janeiro preparing to represent the US in sabre fencing. She is ranked eighth in the world and is gearing up for her first Olympics after missing the 2012 London games because of a hand injury.

While much has been reported of concerns over health and safety in the Brazilian city, Muhammad says she feels unsafe in the US.

“[I feel unsafe] all the time. I had someone follow me home from practice and try to report me to police,” she said. “And this is right on 28th and 7th in New York City.
“I’m very vocal about these things because I want people to know I’m not a novelty, I’m not special in any way. I’m a woman who wears hijab and these are my experiences."
The New Jersey-born athlete said the US is at a point where it needs to change its dialogue following incidents like Donald Trump’s recent dig at a Muslim couple who spoke at the Democrat National Conference about their son who died in action fighting for the US.