WASHINGTON – A leading American Muslim group has challenged Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump to a debate to dispel his “promotion of fear and internet lies” which has badly affected the safety of Muslim citizens.

“Ever since you announced your run for Presidency of the United States, you have scapegoated the American Muslim community and other minority groups for all your perceived ills of America,” the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) wrote in a letter referencing Trump’s history of anti-Muslim statements, Raw Story reported on Sunday, February 21.

“You rely on the promotion of fear and Internet lies to fuel the flames of hate and divisiveness across our country,” the letter said, referencing the recent internet hoax about bullets being covered in pig’s blood killing Muslims that Trump repeated in a speech.

“Well, we have news for you: We will no longer be bullied. We will no longer be your punching bag.”

Muslims make up 1% of America’s 322 million population, according to Pew Research center.

The letter comes amid increasing anti-Muslim sentiments flared by Republican presidential candidates, such as Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson.

Trump’s views on immigration have sparked controversy nationwide, especially his proposal to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the US.

Saying they will no longer be bullied by the right wing, MPAC accused Trump and his supporters of being afraid of anything that is different from them.

“You have no understanding of the world in which you live,” the letter reads attacking Trump’s policies.

“That’s why you insist on backward policies, such as building walls and segregating communities based on religion, as a desperate attempt to create a false sense of strength and security, and to preserve your distorted view of what makes America great.”

Getting no response so far from Trump’s campaign, the group concluded the letter saying that someone with Trump’s “strength and knowledge in such matters” surely wouldn’t be afraid of debating their group.

A similar call for debate was forwarded by Dr. Suzanne Barakat, whose brother was gunned down along with his wife and sister-in-law last year in Chapel Hill.

“@realDonaldTrump Meet me in person and tell me my brother, Yusor & Razan were deserving of the bullets. #SCPrimary #OurThreeWinners,” Dr. Barakat wrote on Twitter on Saturday, February 20.

Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, his wife Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21, and her sister Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19, were fatally shot February 10, 2015, at the couple’s condominium in Chapel Hill.

A neighbor, Craig Stephen Hicks, has been charged with murder in their deaths and could face the death penalty if convicted.

Despite their loss, the victims’ families said they will continue to advocate mutual relations between different faiths and a better understanding of the American Muslim community.