(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/25/16) – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) tonight called for an investigation of a hate message left at a mosque in that state as a possible bias-motivated crime.

The message, left at the door of the Dawah Mosque in St. Paul, Minn., contained a slur against Islam’s Prophet Muhammad and the statement, “F**k Islam.”

“All Americans must be able to practice their faith and worship as they choose without fear of harassment or intimidation,” said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. “We urge state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate this incident as a possible hate crime.”

Earlier today, a representative of CAIR-MN attended a hearing for a man who allegedly shot at a group of Muslim men, injuring two.

CAIR-MN: Ramsey County Man Faces Multiple Charges after Muslim Men Shot in Minneapolis

CAIR’s national office today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities in Nevada to investigate alleged threats and hate vandalism targeting a Muslim family in that state as possible hate crimes.

CAIR: Vandalism in Pahrump Being Investigated as Hate Crime

CAIR: Vandalism at Nevada Muslim-Owned Business Investigated as Hate Crime

Also today, CAIR released a new 30-second animated advertisement for ISLAMOPHOBIN, a mock-medicine offering “Multi-Symptom Relief for Chronic Islamophobia.” (NOTE: ISLAMOPHOBIN is actually sugar-free-chewing gum. Use #ISLAMOPHOBIN.)

Video: CAIR's ISLAMOPHOBIN 'Crushes' Islamophobia

An unprecedented spike in Islamophobic rhetoric and anti-Muslim incidents nationwide in recent months has been attributed at least in part to statements and policy proposals made by public figures like GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump and others.

CAIR is urging American Muslims and Islamic institutions to take extra security precautions and is offering Muslim community leaders free copies of its booklet, "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety." The booklet may be requested through CAIR's website: http://www.cair.com/mosque-safety-guide.html  

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its 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: CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com