The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for a break-in and burglary targeting a mosque in Montgomery County, Maryland, and to arrest the suspects who broke the door of the mosque and forced their way in.
According to a police report and on-site video surveillance footage, on March 24, three individuals broke into the Noor Center mosque and broke open a donation box. The perpetrators damaged the rear door and door frame, and ransacked the second floor of the building. CAIR is concerned the break-in is not being taken seriously enough by law enforcement authorities.
The police report states that the suspects were reportedly driving a green Toyota Sienna van, possibly with Virginia registration. No arrests have been made.
In a statement, CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“Amid this somber and subdued Ramadan, the Noor Center community is now contending with safety concerns and the violation and desecration of their sacred space. Mosques are houses of God that deserve to be safe places for our community. CAIR strongly condemns this crime and is calling on the Montgomery County Police Department to take swift action to apprehend the suspects in this incident. Given the recent, unprecedented surge in bigotry, we urge law enforcement officials to consider the possibility of a bias motive as they conduct their investigation. This crime should be investigated and handled to the fullest extent of the law. Bringing the suspects to justice will help put the community’s mind at ease, and signal that these incidents won’t be taken lightly.”
Chaudry urged houses of worship to utilize CAIR’s Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety guide, which contains security advice applicable to institutions of all faiths.
CAIR encourages all mosques to schedule security assessments and apply for security grant funding available through federal, state and local government to improve security and boost infrastructure.
Earlier this week, the organization released its 2024 civil rights report, which reveals the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history.
SEE: New CAIR Civil Rights Report Reveals Highest Number of Complaints in Group’s 30-Year History
Since October 9, 2023, at least eight Maryland mosques have been targeted in hate bias incidents, including receiving threatening calls, mail or emails.
SEE: CAIR Calls on FBI to Probe Bomb Threat Targeting Maryland Mosque
SEE: CAIR Condemns Islamophobic Harassment of Maryland Mosque, Seeks Stepped Up Protect ion
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 Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com; 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