Manassas, Virginia, October 21, 2025
News Summary
A 66-year-old man from Michigan, Matthew Vinod Malaikal, was arrested in Virginia for allegedly assaulting a Muslim woman. The incident, deemed a hate crime, involved verbal harassment and physical aggression. Witnesses intervened, prompting Malaikal to flee before police arrived. Authorities later issued an arrest warrant, charging him with felony assault and battery motivated by hate. CAIR has noted increasing hate crimes against Muslims, highlighting the urgent need for action against such incidents.
Manassas, Virginia – A 66-year-old man, Matthew Vinod Malaikal, from Northville, Michigan, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a Muslim woman and demeaning her religion in an incident labeled as a hate crime. The authorities reported that the event took place around 11:50 a.m. on September 30, in the 10700 block of Sudley Manor Drive, where the victim, a 51-year-old Muslim woman, had just parked her vehicle when Malaikal approached her.
An argument ensued, during which Malaikal directed profanities and derogatory comments towards the victim based on her religion. According to reports, Malaikal allegedly poked the woman in the face, causing notable marks on her skin, and also grabbed her hand. Good Samaritans who witnessed the incident intervened, prompting Malaikal to leave the scene before the police arrived. The victim reported suffering minor injuries from the encounter.
Following the investigation, Prince William County police were able to identify Malaikal and subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for felony assault and battery with a hate bias. He was apprehended on Wednesday, October 15, and has not yet been arraigned. Under Virginia law, misdemeanor assault and battery escalates to a felony when it involves a hate bias based on religion, race, or other specified identities. If convicted, this crime carries a penalty of six months to five years in prison.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a national Muslim organization, welcomed Malaikal’s arrest and the decision to pursue charges related to a hate crime. In their statement, they emphasized that no individual should fear being targeted, harassed, or assaulted based on their faith. CAIR has recently reported a surge in hate crimes and Islamophobia throughout the United States, showing a notable increase in complaints regarding discrimination against Muslims.
In recent weeks, CAIR noted threats made against two Metro Detroit area mosques and the sentencing of a Dearborn man to nearly three years in prison for an antisemitic incident. Additionally, CAIR’s 2025 Civil Rights Report revealed that complaints against Muslims hit a record high of 8,658 in 2024, reflecting a 7.4% increase from the previous year.
Key Points of the Incident
- Location: 10700 block of Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas, Virginia
- Arrested Individual: Matthew Vinod Malaikal, 66, from Northville, Michigan
- Victim: A 51-year-old Muslim woman
- Incident Date: September 30, 2023
- Allegations: Assault with hate bias, including physical assault and verbal harassment
- Charges: Felony assault and battery with a hate bias; potential prison sentence of six months to five years if convicted
- Organizational Response: CAIR welcomed the arrest and emphasized the ongoing issue of rising hate crimes against Muslims in the U.S.
Background Context
As reported by CAIR, there is a growing epidemic of hate crime incidents targeting religious and ethnic minorities in the United States. The organization has documented significant increases in discrimination complaints against individuals based on their faith. The assault on the Muslim woman in Virginia is one of many recent incidents that have raised alarm regarding community safety and civil rights. With anti-religious sentiment influencing such acts of hate, there is a pressing need for societal awareness and legal action against perpetrators.
FAQ Section
What happened in Manassas, Virginia?
A 66-year-old man, Matthew Vinod Malaikal, from Northville, Michigan, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a Muslim woman and demeaning her religion in an incident labeled as a hate crime.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred around 11:50 a.m. on September 30 in the 10700 block of Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas, Virginia.
What were the allegations against Malaikal?
Malaikal allegedly poked the woman in the face, directed profanities at her, grabbed her hand, and demeaning her based on her religion.
What penalties could Malaikal face if convicted?
The crime carries a penalty of six months to five years in prison if convicted.
What has CAIR reported regarding hate crimes?
CAIR reported a rise in hate crimes and Islamophobia across the United States, indicating that complaints against Muslims reached a record high of 8,658 in 2024.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individual | Matthew Vinod Malaikal |
| Age | 66 |
| Location of Incident | 10700 block of Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas, Virginia |
| Date of Incident | September 30, 2023 |
| Charges | Felony assault and battery with a hate bias |
| Potential Prison Sentence | Six months to five years |
| Victim’s Age | 51 |
| Organizational Response | CAIR welcomed the arrest |
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Additional Resources
- Inside Nova
- Wikipedia: Hate Crime
- Prince William Times
- Google Search: Hate Crime Assault Muslim
- Patch
- Google Scholar: Hate Crime Muslims 2024
- Detroit News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hate Crime
- NBC Washington
- Google News: Hate Crime Virginia
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