Tonko Statement on Passing of Harbe Nagi and Ensuing Islamophobia

This press release from Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY) was published on 2026-07-01 and titled "Tonko Statement on Passing of Harbe Nagi and Ensuing Islamophobia".

Tonko Statement on Passing of Harbe Nagi and Ensuing Islamophobia

MENANDS, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released the following statement after news of the passing of 7-year-old Harbe Nagi in Menands and following the disgusting Islamophobic comments posted online in the wake of his death: “I was heartbroken yesterday to learn of the passing of 7-year-old Harbe Nagi in Menands — a devastating loss for his family, his friends, and our entire Capital Region community. I was also horrified to see the casual and disgusting Islamophobia on display in the wake of Harbe’s death. There is no place for Islamophobia here in our Capital Region or anywhere else, and our neighbors deserve better than this unmitigated cruelty in their time of need. Let me be clear: our Muslim neighbors love this community and they belong in our Capital Region and in the United States. I extend my deepest condolences to the Nagi family and all who have been affected by this tremendous loss.” ###