(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/19/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on local law enforcement authorities to step up security measures for a Washington, D.C., mosque following a bomb threat reportedly targeting that house of worship.
That threat was reportedly made against Masjid Muhammad, also called “The Nation’s Mosque,” yesterday during Friday communal prayers (jummah). The mosque was evacuated, and police came to the scene, but no bomb was found.
SEE: Bomb threat made during Friday prayers in US capital mosque
WATCH The Moment the Bomb Threat Was Reported to the Imam (Islamic religious leader)
The bomb threat targeting Masjid Muhammad came as law enforcement authorities across the country are investigating a series similar fake bomb threats targeting synagogues.
“The targeting of houses of worship with threats of violence must never be tolerated in a just society,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “We stand in solidary with the Masjid Muhammad community and thank law enforcement authorities for their swift and professional response to the threat.”
He noted that earlier this month, CAIR welcomed the arrest of a man who allegedly made antisemitic threats to a Rabbi and a Jewish student center in Lexington, Ky.
Hooper urged all religious institutions to apply for Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which “provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations.”
CAIR is also urging religious institutions nationwide to take extra security precautions by using advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.” The advice in the booklet is applicable to institutions of all faiths.
Washington, D.C., based 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 Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com