Muslim civil rights group urges law enforcement authorities to probe possible bias motive for attacks
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/15/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed solidarity with the Sikh community in North Carolina and nationwide following vandalism targeting a temple in Charlotte, N.C. CAIR also called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for the attacks.
Vandals shattered windows, and cameras and lights of Gurdwara Sahib Khalsa Darbar several times over the last few months. No arrests have been made and police have not said if incidents are being investigated as possible hate crimes.
SEE: Vandalism attacks at south Charlotte place of worship
“Whenever a house of worship is targeted, law enforcement authorities have a duty to investigate a possible bias motive for the attacks,” said CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell. “We stand in solidarity with the Sikh community as it is forced to deal with these troubling incidents.”
He urged faith communities nationwide to take extra security precautions using advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.” The security advice in the booklet applies to any institution or community.
Mitchell said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR 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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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com