MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) -
Abdullah Abdullah said he had a frightening encounter Tuesday afternoon with a potential customer at his small used car lot on Church Street in Murfreesboro. It began, according to Abdullah, when the customer discovered he is Muslim.
"I said 'welcome to Supreme Auto Sales, my name is Abdullah, how may I assist you?' He said 'Oh, you're (expletive) Muslim'. I said 'yes, I'm a Muslim,' and he said, 'all you (expletive) should die.' I said 'sir, get off my lot.' Then he said 'I should (expletive) kill you right here,'" Abdullah said.
Police caught up with the man just down the street. A police report was taken, but Abdullah refused to file charges.
"Police asked me what do you want us to do? I told them just let him know that won't be tolerated. Other than that, don't take him to jail because he is old, stubborn and ignorant," Abdullah said.
Abdullah told Channel 4 News he faces religious bigotry in many subtle ways as he conducts business at his car lot.
"When I approach a customer pulling up, they see me, and they get right back in their car again. I know for a fact they were interested in a certain vehicle," Abdullah said.
Abdullah said the Islamic Center controversy is adding to the religious tensions in Rutherford County.
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