UPDATE: Mankato police determine fireworks weren’t targeted at Islamic Center
The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) is calling for the public’s help to provide information to police about a reported attempted arson at the Islamic Center of Mankato.
On Sunday, Nov. 10, surveillance video captured an individual on a bicycle attempting to start a fire along the mosque’s exterior wall. The attempt failed, resulting in no injuries or significant property damage.
This incident marks the 40th attack on a mosque in Minnesota over the past three years, a concerning trend that places Minnesota at the forefront of mosque-targeted violence nationally.
“We are deeply troubled by this incident and call for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrator to justice. We urge anyone with information that could assist in identifying this individual to contact the Mankato Police Department immediately,” said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. “This attempted arson is not just an attack on a place of worship, it is an assault on the peace and security of the entire Mankato community.”
He said CAIR-MN is urging elected officials, faith leaders and community members across Minnesota to denounce this attempted act of violence and stand in solidarity with the Muslim community.
Hussein asked 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.
He said the latest incident underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, vigilance, and proactive measures to prevent hate-fueled violence from affecting communities of all faiths.
NOTE: If you have any information regarding the individual involved, please contact the Mankato Police Department immediately.
CAIR-MN will continue to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with local authorities to ensure the safety and security of the Islamic Center of Mankato and Minnesota’s Muslim community at large.
CAIR-MN is a chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. CAIR-MN’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director, CAIR-MN, Tel: (612) 406-0070, Email: [email protected]; Suleiman Adan, Deputy Director, CAIR-MN, Tel: (612) 406-7183, Email: [email protected]; Osman Ahmed, Director of Advocacy, CAIR-MN, Tel: (612) 459-0334, Email: [email protected]