The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate apparently bias-motivated vandalism targeting a South Carolina house of worship as a hate crime.
Muhammad Mosque #38 in Columbia, South Carolina, was painted with red crosses and a message reading “get out.” A symbol drawn on the sidewalk outside the mosque resembles a crude Nazi swastika.
In a statement, CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper said:
“We condemn any attack on a house of worship and urge state and federal law enforcement authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. This troubling incident must be investigated as a possible hate crime.
“Unfortunately, we are witnessing a rise in bigotry targeting all minority communities nationwide. Political and religious leaders must speak out against the hate-filled ideologies that inevitably result in such acts of bigotry.”
Hooper 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.
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 National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com