PRESS STATEMENT: CAIR-Chicago calls for Hate Crime Investigation, Apparent Bullet Holes Discovered at Muslim Community Center
- For Immediate Release and Distribution -
CHICAGO, IL (9/7/24) – The Chicago Office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is calling for a thorough investigation by the Chicago Police Department (CPD) into the discovery of what appears to be a series of bullet holes at the Muslim Community Center (MCC). This targeted act of violence, which occurred over the past week, appears to be yet another attack aimed at the Muslim community.
Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, said:
“It’s unclear what the source of what look like bullet holes is, whether a gun, a BB gun, or something else, but what seems clear is that the person who inflicted this damage on a Muslim house of worship did not come in peace. This attack is not just on a building; it is an attack on the Muslim community’s safety and right to worship freely.”
The Muslim community has been left deeply concerned by this discovery, which follows a worrying rise in Islamophobic attacks nationwide. Authorities have begun their investigation, but initial reports categorize the incident as property damage.
CAIR-Chicago Staff Attorney, Joseph Milburn added:
“This is the second attack on Muslim property in recent days that the police have chalked down as mere destruction of property; hate motivation should not be ruled out without a thorough investigation”.
Mosque administration, who discovered the bullet holes, reported the incidents to both local police and the FBI. CAIR-Chicago advised enhancing security cameras and protocols, which MCC has already implemented. While urging the community not to panic, officials have assured there is no imminent threat at this time but encouraged everyone to remain vigilant.
CAIR-Chicago is working closely with MCC and community leaders to ensure the safety of Muslim institutions across the city. The organization urges authorities to take swift action and calls for greater public awareness of the growing threats to religious communities.
CAIR-Chicago’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote understanding.
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; Hafsa Haider, Communications Coordinator of CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com