(WASHINGTON, D.C, 5/9/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today urged Washington, D.C., area mosques to step up security measures after an attempted stabbing attack at the Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Va.
[NOTE: American Muslims are preparing to celebrate the end of Ramadan with the Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER) holiday on or about May 13.]
Fairfax County Police said the perpetrator allegedly tried to stab a security guard at the mosque. The alleged attacker reportedly pointed his knife at several people before fleeing the scene. Jonathan Lincoln, 41, of Falls Church, was later arrested and charged with two counts of assault and disorderly conduct. No one was injured in the incident.
SEE: Va. man arrested after alleged attempt to stab Islamic Center security guard, police say
https://wjla.com/news/local/va-man-arrested-after-alleged-attempt-to-security-guard
“We stand in solidarity with the Dar Al Hijrah community,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. “No community should feel unsafe or intimidated as they carry out their religious obligations.”
“We urge mosques and Islamic centers in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., to enhance safety and security measures, particularly during the activities associated with the end of the Ramadan fast,” said CAIR’s Research and Advocacy Coordinator Huzaifa Shahbaz. “We thank law enforcement authorities for their swift and professional actions in apprehending the alleged assailant.”
He said CAIR is urging mosques and other religious institutions of all faiths to take measures outlined in its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet. Advice offered in CAIR’s security publication is applicable to all institutions, regardless of organizational mission.
CAIR: Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety
Shahbaz noted that yesterday, CAIR joined the call by police in Arlington County, Va., for information on a person who allegedly left a Crystal City restaurant without paying, pushed a restaurant employee to the ground and used anti-Asian slurs.
CAIR Joins Call for Info on Alleged Anti-Asian Incident in Crystal City, Virginia
Police: Man accused of assaulting worker, using Asian slurs
CAIR’s recent 2021 civil rights report documented 241 hate and bias incidents which included physical violence, harassment, and vandalism among other reported issues.
SEE: CAIR 2021 Civil Rights Report
https://www.cair.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CAIRReport.pdf
Video: California City Partners with CAIR-SFBA on Bystander Intervention Training
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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 Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com