Crime & Safety

Assault Case Dismissed Against Fairfax County Man Accused of Beating Cabbie for Being Muslim

Ed Dahlberg is heard on tape ranting against Muslims.

By Todd Richissin

Charges against a Fairfax County man accused of beating a cab driver because he was Muslim have been dropped because prosecutors determined a recording capturing the man screaming at the cabbie proves no physical violence.

WUSA9 reports that the driver, Mohamed Salim of Great Falls, says he will not give up his fight for justice. He had picked up Ed Dahlberg, a businessman from Clifton, at the Country Club of Fairfax on April 26.

On the recording, Dahlberg is heard telling the cab driver, "If you don't denounce those f*** terrorist now, I will slice your throat."

Ray Morrogh, Fairfax Co. Commonwealth's Attorney, told the station, "I believe he did not assault; the most is push at the phone."

Salim called the decision outrageous.

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"If this is not a hate crime, God forbid, what's the hate crime — so they encourage hate and fear-mongering," Salim told the station.

Salim says Ed Dahlberg went on an anti-Muslim rant before repeatedly punching him, giving Salim a broken jaw and a concussion.

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"When the complainant comes back and says he was viciously attacked and assaulted and we find that couldn't have happened in our opinion, then we can't vouch for his credibility," Morrogh said.

John Zwerling, Dahlberg's attorney, told WUSA9, "This is all about money and getting publicity against people who speak ill of Muslims including the terrorists."

At the time, another attorney for Dahlberg issued a statementdenying the assault.

"Mr. Dahlberg’s comments to Mr. Salim were regretful, and he apologizes to anyone who found them offensive. Anyone who listens to the entire conversation and views the entire tape will hear that most of the conversation had a friendly tone.  

"Unfortunately, it got emotional as the discussion turned to Jihad and 9/11, and especially heated on the subject of jihadists who want to harm America."  


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