Community rallies against racism at cab company office

A few dozen showed up on a freezing cold Friday morning to demonstrate against hate in La Crosse.

“One community, one family, hate has no business here,” was the chant from those outside Bullet Cab’s office on State Street. Last week, anti-Muslim graffiti was painted on the business’ garage door.

Now, it’s painted again. This time, however, with a colorful mural. Co-owner Mike Ahmad was also presented with a $1,333 check to help pay for security cameras at the business.

“I was not expecting this,” Ahmad told the crowd. “But that really strengthened my belief that we are one community. I hope whoever did this cowardly act, if anybody has any issue or problem, they can always come forward and talk to me.”

The money was raised through an internet funding campaign.

Mayor Tim Kabat, Assistant Police Chief Rob Abraham and UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow were among the community leaders who spoke at the rally.

Police are still looking for whoever painted the slur on the building.