(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 5/12/23) – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Minnesota), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for vandalism targeting a St. Paul mosque.
On Friday, May 12, at approximately 7 a.m. – according to video surveillance – an individual wearing a hoodie and a mask entered Masjid Al Sunnah Mosque’s parking lot and headed for the main entrance carrying a large rock. The video shows the suspect targeting the main doors, causing significant damage.
Video: St. Paul Mosque Vandalized
Photo: St. Paul Mosque Vandalized
https://www.cair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/StPaulVandalism-scaled.jpeg
In a statement, CAIR-Minnesota Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said:
“We urge law enforcement authorities to investigate this incident as a possible hate crime. As worshippers gather for Friday prayers, they will be confronted with the distressing sight of their mosque’s front door smashed.
“This marks the fifth attack on a Minnesota mosque in 2023, contributing to a deeply concerning trend of rising incidents. It is important to note that last month, tragedies were narrowly averted when an arsonist targeted two mosques within two days, causing significant destruction and endangering the lives of over 200 individuals, including 50 children.”
SEE: CAIR-MN Welcomes Arrest of Suspect in Two Minneapolis Mosque Arson Attacks
CAIR-MN 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-MN’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-MN 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-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com