CAIR Seeks Bias Probe of Shots Fired Into Mississippi Mosque

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for a shooting incident targeting a Mississippi mosque.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said police are investigating a Tuesday incident in which several shots were fired into doors, windows and walls of the Islamic Center of Hattiesburg. Police are currently looking into the incident as an act of "malicious mischief," but CAIR is urging a probe of a possible hate motive.

SEE: Shots Fired Into Islamic Center of Hattiesburg
http://tinyurl.com/oeyj8wq

"We have seen too many attacks on mosques nationwide to ignore the possibility of a bias motive for this shooting incident," said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.

Hooper noted that CAIR's Washington state chapter recently held a news conference to ask the FBI to investigate apparently bias-motivated incidents targeting a mosque in that state.

Video: CAIR-WA Says Clue May Have Been Left at Mosque Targeted by Hate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rohp60zSDT4

Just yesterday, a man threatened staff at CAIR's Columbus, Ohio, office.

Video: Police Investigate Threat at CAIR-Ohio Office
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHix59TDXlw

Also recently, CAIR's Sacramento Valley chapter called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate vandalism of a California mosque as a possible hate crime.

Video: CAIR-SV Rep Says Vandalized Mosque Seeks to Educate Others
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDVhdlH-3zo

In December, CAIR urged a hate crime probe of graffiti sprayed on the Islamic Society of Appalachian Region near Princeton, W.Va. The graffiti spray-painted on the mosque and its sign made obscene references to "Allah," the Arabic word for God. Mosque members say the house of worship was similarly targeted following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Video: CAIR Asks FBI to Probe W. Virginia Mosque Vandalism as Hate Crime
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxnLokm7lRo  

CAIR recently welcomed an arrest in the case of a Joplin, Mo., mosque targeted by arson in 2012.

SEE: CAIR Welcomes Arrest of Missouri Mosque Arson Suspect
http://tinyurl.com/olzmqmv

In response to previous attacks on American mosques, CAIR published a booklet called "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety" designed to be used by mosque officials, Muslim school administrators and other community leaders and activists who seek to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities to bias-motivated attacks.

SEE: CAIR Distributes New Mosque Safety Guidelines
http://tinyurl.com/p6678ok

To request a free e-copy of CAIR's "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety," go to: http://www.cair.com/mosque-safety-guide.html    

CAIR recently published a major report, "Legislating Fear: Islamophobia and its Impact in the United States," which identifies 37 organizations dedicated to promoting the type of anti-Islam prejudice that can lead to bias-motivated incidents targeting American Muslims.

SEE: Legislating Fear: Islamophobia and its Impact in the United States
http://www.cair.com/islamophobia/legislating-fear-2013-report.html

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 National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-341-4171, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations

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