Stamford police are investigating what one advocacy group is calling a possible hate crime outside a local mosque. The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the country's largest Muslim civil rights group, posted cellphone video to social media of the apparent harassment.

It happened around 10 p.m. Saturday as a group of Muslim families walked out of the Islamic Cultural Center of New York on Washington Boulevard, according to CAIR-CT chairman Farhan Memon. The video shows a white SUV stopped in front of the gates, holding up traffic, as the driver yells.

“Get the [expletive] out of here. Fifty-six Muslim countries in the world. Go pick one. Why you come to a Catholic country? Why?” the man is heard saying on the video.

He also hurled insults against Islam and the Prophet Mohammad, per the video.

Memon told News 12 the tirade was directed at out a dozen people, including children.

“They'd just come out of prayers and dinner and so they were just preparing to go home, and it was a very, very scary experience for them having this unknown person drive up and start yelling these things,” Memon said. “Unfortunately, we've had shootings at mosques and synagogues around the country and around the world, so, of course, when someone comes up and starts yelling and screaming, people get very scared.”

Memon said there haven't been prior anti-Muslim incidents at that location but other mosques in Connecticut have been targeted. He said Islamophobia has skyrocketed since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

“People are nervous and scared. The randomness of it really is something that's taking people by surprise, and so, they're really looking for a response from the city—increased police patrols around the mosque and also to make sure that people know that this type of behavior's really unacceptable,” Memon stated.

Police said they have identified the person involved and are continuing to investigate, including consulting with the State's Attorney's Office. They are asking anyone with additional information to reach out.

Memon told News 12 he spoke with the police chief and Stamford’s mayor on Monday.

Mayor Caroline Simmons released the following statement:

“Acts of hate have no place in our city, and I condemn the despicable anti-Muslim hate speech that was directed at members of our Muslim community. Stamford’s strength comes from our diversity, and we will not tolerate behavior that seeks to divide or intimidate.

The Stamford Police Department Patrol Division conducted an initial investigation into this incident stemming from derogatory statements made by a male motorist who stopped in front of the Islamic Center and verbally engaged with several congregants. The investigation is now being handled by the Department’s Bureau of Investigation, in consultation with the State’s Attorney’s Office, and the individual involved has been identified.

Law enforcement will continue to ensure houses of worship remain secure and that all residents can gather and worship in peace and safety. As a city, we remain committed to standing against all forms of hate and to fostering an inclusive, respectful community where everyone is welcome.”