(SACRAMENTO, CA, 12/26/2015) – The Sacramento Valley chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV) today called on local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate an apparent firebombing of the Tracy Islamic Center in Tracy Calif., as a hate crime.
This morning, mosque leaders found fire damage on a side door to the facility from what appeared to be a Molotov cocktail.
“The recent spike in hate incidents targeting mosques nationwide is unprecedented and should be of concern to all Americans,” said CAIR-SV Executive Director Basim Elkarra. “We urge law enforcement authorities to investigate this incident as a hate crime and to bring the perpetrators to justice.â€
Yesterday, CAIR–Houston called for a similar investigation of a bias motive after firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire at a mosque in southwest Houston Friday afternoon. Officials are checking surveillance video and say the fire was intentionally set.
SEE:Houston Mosque Fire Was Intentionally Set, Fire Department Says
Earlier this month, a suspect was arrested for allegedly firebombing another California mosque.
CAIR: Person Detained in Fire at Coachella Mosque; Concern Over Shooting Backlash Mounts
On Thursday, CAIR’s San Francisco Bay Area chapter questioned the release of a Richmond, Calif., man who allegedly threatened and plotted to bomb local Muslims.
Video:Â CAIR-SFBA Shocked at Release of Suspect Who Threatened, Plotted to Bomb Muslims
CAIR recently released a preliminary report on more than 70 incidents targeting American mosques and religious institutions in 2015 that shows a greater frequency of damage, destruction, vandalism, and intimidation than in any other year since CAIR started tracking such cases in 2009.
CAIR Report:Â Number of Incidents Targeting U.S. Mosque in 2015 Highest Ever Recorded
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.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Sacramento Valley Executive Director Basim Elkarra, 916-289-3748 (cell), belkarra@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com