(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/25/23) – 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 an alleged threat targeting a North Carolina mosque as a hate crime.
Officials with the Islamic Center of Charlotte said a caller used obscenities and anti-Islam and anti-Arab statements, and reportedly said, “I’ll blow you worse than 9/11.” A report has been filed with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.
SEE: ‘Disrespectful, hateful, inciteful.’ Threat made against the Islamic Center of Charlotte
9/11 Threat Made On Mosque In Charlotte
A call by local media elicited an apology from the alleged caller.
SEE: Rambling call about ‘9/11’ was threat to Charlotte mosque, Islamic Center leader says
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article275739056.html
“Law enforcement at the state and national level should investigate the apparent threat to the Islamic Center of Charlotte as a hate crime and take appropriate action,” said CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell. “If the caller has indeed apologized for his actions, that is a welcome first step, but this person must also face accountability for violating the law just like anyone else who threatens a house of worship.”
He noted that CAIR has recently responded to a number of attacks on mosques in other states.
Video: CAIR-MN Director Jaylani Hussein Says Muslim Community Feeling Overwhelmed by Mosque Attacks
CAIR Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Vandalism Targeting Oregon Mosque
CAIR is urging the local Muslim community and Islamic institutions nationwide to take extra security precautions by using advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.”
Last year, CAIR released a report, titled “Still Suspect: The Impact of Structural Islamophobia,” documenting more than 6,720 complaints to CAIR offices nationwide involving a range of issues including immigration and travel, workplace discrimination, denial of public accommodations, law enforcement and government overreach, hate and bias incidents, incarceree rights, school incidents, anti-BDS/free speech, among other reported issues.
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 Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@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