Campaign sign of Muslim Raleigh city council candidate defaced with racial slur

Zainab Baloch is one of the seven candidates running for two at-large seats on Raleigh’s council.

“The vulgar language that was used was very traumatizing; it was hurtful,” she said. “(I was) very disheartened at the hateful rhetoric that was on our camping sign. I will say that when I filed for City Council, I was very well aware that I was putting myself out in the limelight and I could be the target of some hateful attacks.”

“The vulgar language that was used was traumatizing.” Muslim City Council candidate speaking out after racial slurs sprayed on sign. #ABC11 pic.twitter.com/GJhDXBLnYz

— Elaina Athans (@AthansABC11) October 6, 2017

Baloch said some of her fellow candidates have reached out and offered support.

“It is so important to have diverse voices in government that are representing all people,” she added.

The discovery was made by a construction crew Friday morning at 5520 Louisburg Road, where a mosque and Muslim youth community center is being built.

Her mother, Sabina Tareen, met ABC11 at the site and said the findings are disturbing.

“She is an American,” Tareen said. “She is born and raised here, and she cares about her community, but this very disturbing.”