CAIR-Chicago Calls for Hate Crime Probe of ‘All Muslims Should Die’ Threats, Vandalism Targeting Downtown Mosque
(CHICAGO, IL, 3/18/2024) - The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate vandalism targeting a downtown Chicago mosque as a possible hate crime.
Worshipers at the Downtown Islamic Center said a man had been making threats as members were going inside to pray Sunday night, including shouting “All Muslims should die” and verbally harassing a woman. The man reportedly left and came back with an object that he used to smash the mosque’s glass door, which was locked.
SEE: CAIR-Chicago Supports Downtown Mosque Targeted by Vandalism After Threats to Worshipers (Video)
In a statement, Salman Azam of the Downtown Islamic Center said:
“We are deeply concerned that a hate crime has taken place during our holy month of Ramadan during which the mosque is frequented nightly by our diverse congregation for special prayers. All houses of worship should be a beacon and a safe space for the community. We hope the assailant is swiftly apprehended and prosecuted so a message can be sent that such acts will not be tolerated.”
In a statement, CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab said:
“Because of the alleged threats made to worshipers and the vandalism targeting the mosque, we urge state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate this incident as a possible hate crime and to step up security for this and other houses of worship in the area. Every American should be free to practice their faith without fear of intimidation or attack.”
He noted the rise in anti-Muslim and anti-Arab incidents tracked by CAIR, and the role that irresponsible remarks from elected officials plays in feeding them.
He urged houses of worship to utilize CAIR’s Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety guide, which contains security advice applicable to institutions of all faiths.
On Saturday, CAIR’s Connecticut chapter called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a bag of pork left at the entrance of Masjid An Noor in Bridgeport as a possible hate crime.
Last week, CAIR called for hate crime charges to be filed against two individuals for an incident in which one of them allegedly urinated on the doorstep of a Tennessee mosque.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR recently released new civil rights data showing that it has received 3,578 complaints during the last three months of 2023 amid an ongoing wave of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR Chicago, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; Maggie Slavin, Operations Manager of CAIR-Chicago, 815-590-3991, mslavin@cair.com