(BALTIMORE, MD, 8/31/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today recommended vigilance and stepped-up security measures for Baltimore-area mosques after a second mosque based in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area received a threatening call in recent weeks.
Earlier today, leaders at the Islamic Society of Baltimore took the precaution to cancel all evening events after receiving a “suspicious call” that has been reported to local and federal authorities who are investigating. [NOTE: Anyone with information about the call is encouraged to report tips to FBI Baltimore at 410-265-8080, the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov, and to notify the Baltimore County Police Department at 410-887-1340.]
Earlier this month, CAIR called on local law enforcement authorities to step up security measures for Masjid Muhammad, a Washington, D.C., mosque following a bomb threat reportedly targeting that house of worship.
SEE: Washington DC mosque receives bomb threat causing evacuation of hundreds
https://www.newarab.com/news/washington-dc-mosque-receives-bomb-threat-hate-crime
The bomb threats targeting the mosques come as law enforcement authorities across the country are investigating a series similar fake bomb threats targeting synagogues.
“These incidents appear to fit a pattern,” said CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “As a precaution, we urge mosques in the area to coordinate with local authorities to step up security measures, and to ask community members to remain vigilant even while they continue to practice their faith.”
CAIR urges religious institutions to apply for Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which “provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations.”
The civil rights group is also urging religious institutions nationwide to take extra security precautions by using advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.” The advice in the booklet is applicable to institutions of all faiths.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidaritywith all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
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 Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, zchaudry@cair.com; 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