(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/30/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive in two incidents of vandalism targeting a New Mexico mosque in the same week. CAIR also called for stepped-up police patrols in the area of the mosque.
Last week, vandals broke into a mosque in Portales, N.M., and reportedly ripped copies of the Holy Quran, Islam’s revealed text, and poured beer on its pages. (The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Islam.) Vandals also reportedly stabbed holes into the walls, destroyed furniture, left trash around the building and placed a framed rendering of Jesus Christ atop a pile of rubble.
On June 23, the vandals reportedly returned, this time damaging the building’s AC unit. Police are investigating the incidents but are so far not classifying the case as a hate crime.
SEE: Portales Islamic Center hit by vandals multiple times in a week (krqe.com)
https://www.krqe.com/news/portales-islamic-center-hit-by-vandals-multiple-times-in-a-week/
In a statement, CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper said:
“We condemn these attacks on a house of worship and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Portales. Based on the actions of the vandals, we call on law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for these crimes. Due to the repeated targeting of this mosque, we urge local police to step up their patrols in the area.”
He said 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