"Beat me like an animal:" Muslim woman says attacker ripped off her hijab, cut her with knife

MILWAUKEE -- A Muslim woman was attacked as she walked home from prayer. Milwaukee police tell FOX6 News they are investigating the crime that occurred near South 13th and Layton. The incident happened Monday morning, April 10th around 6:00 a.m. -- and the victim was just released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon. The details of the crime have some in the Islamic community saying it was a hate crime.

"I said to myself, 'I am going to die today for sure.' So he gets up from the car and told me to come here," said the woman who was attacked.

Muslim woman allegedly attacked on Milwaukee's south side

The woman, who does not want her identity to be shared, said a car pulled up alongside her.

"And one man came from a car," she said.

That man wanted only one thing: to remove the woman's hijab, or head scarf.

"He said to take my hijab, my scarf. I tried to fight him. 'Don't take my hijab,' you know? So he threw me on the floor then he beat me like an animal," said the victim.

The attacker was able to pull the scarf off. Blood stains remained on it Tuesday:

Muslim woman allegedly attacked on Milwaukee's south side

The woman said her attacker threw her to the sidewalk, and then stepped down on her head repeatedly. She described him taking out a knife to cut her jacket and her arm.

Muslim woman allegedly attacked on Milwaukee's south side

"Certainly we're scared for our community members. As an Islamic community, we want to make sure our community is always safe. The initial reaction is shock," said Munjed Ahmad with the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.

Munjed Ahmad

Those at the Islamic Center will discuss having security patrols on nearby streets. At this point, they believe this to be a hate crime.

"Nothing was stolen. There was no robbery. Her valuables remain with her. The only motive we can think of -- because everything stayed with her and this individual went straight for her scarf is a hate crime," said Ahmad.

Those from the community are glad the attacker didn't take more -- the woman's life.

The victim somehow made it home. That's where she had a seizure and was taken to the hospital. She said during the beating, the attacker was calling her names and swearing at her.

Police say they are investigating and there is no suspect in custody at this time.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.