(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 5/27/22) – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today called on the FBI to investigate a possible bias motive for the trespass and burglary at the Al Maghfirah (MAG-FIRAH) Cemetery in Castle Rock Township.
Mosque leaders were alerted earlier yesterday by security cameras as an individual is seen on the security camera set up at the cemetery. That person is then seen dismantling the security camera and taking it with him – leaving in a white SUV. Later yesterday, Dakota County Sheriffs arrested the suspect, who is currently charged with Burglary.
“We call on local FBI officials to investigate this latest attack along with the Dakota County Sheriff’s office. We urge law enforcement authorities to investigate the suspect’s history for a possible bias motive,” said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. “We believe this burglary and trespass are a result of efforts to thwart having a Muslim cemetery in this township. This is also another reminder of the Increased attacks against Islamic and other religious institutions, and we urge mosque leaders to increase security protocols”.
In August 2017 the cemetery was vandalized and again in October 2021 someone came the cut gas line, destroyed the electrical box while exposing live wires, and strategically placed over 50 tires in hopes of creating an explosion and subsequent fire. These damages are estimated over $200K.
He noted that earlier today, CAIR’s Missouri chapter condemned neo-Nazi vandalism of a church in that state.
Hussein added that we are also demanding the state legislators to pass combating hate policies urgently.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR is also urging religious institutions to take extra security precautions using CAIR “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet. The advice in CAIR’s security publication is applicable to religious institutions of all faiths.
The booklet may be viewed at: https://www.cair.com/mosque-and-community-safety/
CAIR-MN’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-MN es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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