St. Clair man charged with ethnic intimidation for allegedly threatening CAIR-MI

CANTON, Mich. (FOX 2) - A St Clair man was put behind bars and is facing charges of Ethnic Intimidation after sending a series of threatening emails to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

What they're saying:

78-year-old Paul Naiman was arrested for allegedly sending a series of threatening emails to the staff and director of the CAIR Canton Chapter on Feb. 4.

CAIR-MI is a local chapter of a nationwide Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. 

They said Naiman's emails repeatedly called for the "extermination" of all Muslims and in at least one email addressed his hateful and threatening rhetoric directly to Walid. 

"Ethnic intimidation is a threat not just to individuals but to the very fabric of our diverse and inclusive community," said CAIR-MI Executive Director, Dawud Walid. "We appreciate the swift action by law enforcement to hold accountable those who allegedly seek to spread hate and fear. Despite being the target of threats and harassment, CAIR-MI remains committed to our mission and encourage anyone experiencing or witnessing hate-based incidents to report them immediately to law enforcement and our office."

The backstory:

CAIR-MI said this incident was the second time since 2023 that their offices have been the target of harassment and death threats. 

In March 2024, a man from Florida was charged for making death threats over the phone to CAIR-MI, which he pled guilty to.

What's next:

On Wednesday, Naiman was arraigned on the following:

• Count 1: Ethnic Intimidation – Felony Punishable by up to 2 Years in jail and/or $5,000 fine
• Count 2: Ethnic Intimidation – Felony Punishable by up to 2 Years in jail and/or $5,000 fine
• Count 3: Ethnic Intimidation – Felony Punishable by up to 2 Years in jail and/or $5,000 fine

A judge set Naiman’s bond at $50,000, 10% cash, a GPS tether and no contact with the CAIR center. 

His next court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 14.