(SACRAMENTO, CA, 1/1/2023) – The Sacramento Valley/Central California office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV/CC), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate vandalism targeting a Tracy, Calif., mosque as a possible hate crime.
Surveillance video shows a suspect carrying a large rock that is later thrown through a window of the Tracy Islamic Center yesterday afternoon.
VIDEO IMAGES OF VANDALISM:
https://www.cair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TracyVandalism.png
In a statement, CAIR-SV/CC Executive Director Basim Elkarra said:
“Because a house of worship was targeted by this act of vandalism, we urge law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this troubling incident, to conduct a swift and thorough investigation and to bring appropriate charges when a suspect is apprehended. Despite these types of attacks, we will work to create safe places for Muslims and all other faith communities.”
He said Washington, D.C., based CAIR is urging American Muslims and Islamic institutions in California and nationwide to take extra security precautions and is offering Muslim community leaders free copies of its 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-SV/CC is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SV/CC Executive Director Basim Elkarra, belkarra@cair.com, (916) 441-6269