CAIR Asks DOJ to Probe Pig Legs Left at Proposed Calif. Mosque Site

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Greater Los Angeles Area (CAIR-LA) chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) yesterday sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urging it to investigate an incident targeting Muslims as a federal hate crime.

CAIR-LA said three pig legs were left at the planned mosque site of Al-Nur Islamic Center in Ontario, Calif. Worshipers told CAIR-LA that the pig legs were thrown on the site's driveways just before 10 p.m. Tuesday by two women who then drove off in a white pick-up truck. A security guard witnessed the incident and a report has been filed with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. The congregation has faced vocal opposition in the past.

SEE: Photo of Pig Leg Left at Al-Nur Islamic Center
http://www.cair.com/images/pigs-leg.jpg

"We urge the DOJ to investigate possible federal charges for the perpetrators of this disturbing incident," said CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush. "Only firm action by local, state and federal law enforcement authorities will send the message that bias-motivated attacks on Muslims, or Americans of any faith, will not be tolerated."

Ayloush also noted that four teenagers were arrested following an incident Saturday in which the American Muslim Association in Hayward, Calif., was pelted with oranges and lemons as worshipers prayed inside. At least one worshiper was hit by the objects. A mosque official reported that Saturday's harassment was the fourth such incident in the recent past.

Video: 4 Teens Arrested for Hate Crimes Against Calif. Mosque
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nemD4Z-hbb4

Earlier this week, CAIR's national headquarters issued a community safety advisory for American mosques following other incidents targeting mosques in Missouri and Rhode Island and after the deadly shooting attack Sunday on a Sikh temple in Wisconsin.

CAIR Issues Safety Advisory After Another Mosque Targeted
http://tinyurl.com/bq6f3tn

CAIR: Arson, Vandalism at Mosques Not Uncommon (Joplin Globe)
http://tinyurl.com/c4qw4w3

SEE: Muslim Community Safety Kit
http://www.cair.com/ActionCenter/CommunityToolKit.aspx

SEE: CAIR 'Challenging Islamophobia' Pocket Guide
http://tinyurl.com/3k5xvxv

A CAIR team on Wednesday visited the site of the burned Missouri mosque to meet with Muslim leaders and law enforcement officials. The team also took part in an interfaith Ramadan fast-breaking meal (iftar) at a local church on Wednesday evening.

Video: CAIR Asks for Help in Finding Possible Mo. Mosque Arsonist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD2gp78PNTU

Video: CAIR Co-Sponsors Interfaith Iftar for Burned Missouri Mosque
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJNvqzyJmEs

CAIR: Muslim Group Seeks to Rekindle Spirit of Joplin After Tornado
http://tinyurl.com/ccqztgx

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Munira Syeda, 714-776-1847, E-mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail:[email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)