CAIR Asks DOJ to Probe Threat, Powder Sent to Iowa Muslim Lawmaker
Iowa Statehouse locked down after letter with white powder opened in House chamber
WASHINGTON, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Iowa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-IA) today called on the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate a letter with "very threatening" language and containing a mysterious powder that was sent to a Muslim representative in the Iowa House yesterday.
The letter, sent to Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad (D-Des Moines), was opened by his clerk Tuesday afternoon on the House floor. When a white powder "billowed out" from the envelope, a hazardous materials team was called and the Statehouse was locked down for several hours. The powder was ultimately deemed harmless.
Abdul-Samad is a member of CAIR-IA's board of directors.
VIDEO: Mysterious Powder Unnerves Statehouse
http://tinyurl.com/6lr9xah
"We urge the Department of Justice to review this case and to determine whether a federal civil rights investigation is warranted," said CAIR-IA Executive Director Miriam Amer.
Amer said the nature of the threat contained in the letter has not been made public. She noted that Iowa is one of dozens of states that have introduced legislation targeting Islamic principles, or Sharia.
CAIR-IA: Iowa's Constitution Targeted for Anti-Sharia Amendment
www.cair-iowa.org
Gavel to Gavel: Review of Bans on Court Use of Sharia/International Law
http://tinyurl.com/6t9hbrn
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.
Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational
Subscribe to CAIR's E-Mail List
http://tinyurl.com/cairsubscribe
Subscribe to CAIR's Twitter Feed
http://twitter.com/cairnational
Subscribe to CAIR's YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/cairtv
CONTACT: CAIR-IA Executive Director Miriam Amer, 319-573-6617 (Please text before calling.), E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: [email protected]
SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article