June 26, 2004
Source: AP
On June 26, 2004 AP reported, "The recent beheadings of two American businessmen in the Middle East have added fuel to the angry backlash against Arab-Americans and Muslims that began after the 2001 terrorist attacks... The murders of Paul Johnson and Nicholas Berg triggered hate mail, verbal attacks and anti-Muslim signs. Muslims received death threats and their mosques were vandalized. Following Johnson's death, anti-Islam signs surfaced around the rural New Jersey neighborhood where he once lived. One read 'Stamp Out Islam' next to a drawing of a boot over a crescent and star. Another, hung on a mailbox next door to Johnson's sister's home, was more detailed."