(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/18/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed federal charges against a man who reportedly set fire to a mosque and vandalized two synagogues in Portland, Ore.
A 35-year-old Portland man is accused of setting fire to the Muslim Community Center of Portland, breaking a window at Congregation Shir Tikvah, spray-painting hateful graffiti on Congregation Beth Israel and breaking a window on the synagogue’s campus last year. Another count accuses him of intimidating a Black business owner in Portland by breaking a window of the business. The charges are all misdemeanors, unless prosecutors can prove aggravating factors, such as use of a dangerous weapon, injuries or an attempt to kill.
SEE: Man accused of setting fire to Portland mosque, vandalizing 2 synagogues now faces federal charges
In a statement, CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison said:
“Attacks on houses of worship cannot be tolerated and must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We welcome the federal charges in these disturbing cases and urge law enforcement authorities nationwide to crack down on crimes targeting houses of worship. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim and Jewish communities in Portland against anti-Muslim bigotry, antisemitism and all forms of hate.”
He noted that last year, CAIR-Oregon condemned the vandalism targeting the Muslim Community Center of Portland.
SEE: CAIR-Oregon Condemns Attempted Mosque Arson, Urges Community to Check on Muslim Neighbors
CAIR-Oregon previously welcomed the arrest of the suspect.
SEE: CAIR-Oregon Welcomes Arrest of Suspect in Vandalism on Mosque, Synagogues
Allison also noted that yesterday, CAIR condemned the distribution of antisemitic flyers in Springfield, Ore.
Video: CAIR Condemns Distribution of Antisemitic Flyers in Oregon
CAIR Condemns Distribution of Antisemitic Flyers in Oregon
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