Later today, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will hold a news conference to respond to a fire early this morning that heavily damaged the Masjid Hamza AI-Mahmood Foundation and Baitul Hikmah Academy in Prior Lake. [NOTE: “Masjid” is “mosque” in Arabic.]
Video: Prior Lake mosque, school a total loss after fire
WHAT: CAIR-MN News Conference to Respond to Fire at Prior Lake Mosque, Isdlamic School
WHEN: Monday, December 8, 12:30 p.m. CT
WHERE: Outside Masjid Hamza AI-Mahmood Foundation and Baitul Hikmah Academy, 5995 Timber Trail SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372
CONTACT: Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director, CAIR-MN — 612-406-0070 — jhussein@cair.com; Suleiman Adan, Deputy Executive Director, CAIR-MN — 612-408-7183 — sadan@cair.com
LIVESTREAM: https://www.facebook.com/CAIR.Minnesota/
The cause of the fire is not known at this time and no one was in the building at the time of the fire. State and federal officials are investigating the incident.
CAIR-MN is urging mosques and all places of worship to increase security protocols, remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Over the past three years, Minnesota has faced the worst level of mosque attacks in the nation, with more than 40 incidents and over $3 million in damages. Arson has been on the rise, with six separate incidents in recent years, including three serious arsons.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR asks community leaders to utilize its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to all houses of worship.
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report, Unconstitutional Crackdowns, which reveals that Islamophobia remains at record-high levels nationwide.
CAIR-MN is the state’s leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACTS: Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director, CAIR-MN — 612-406-0070 — jhussein@cair.com; Suleiman Adan, Deputy Executive Director, CAIR-MN — 612-408-7183 — sadan@cair.com