(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 4/24/23) – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Minnesota) today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for an arson attack targeting a Minneapolis Mosque.
Muslim community leaders say a white male entered the Mall 24 Mosque about 7 p.m. yesterday with a container of flammable liquid and allegedly started a fire in the mosque’s rest room. Worshipers reportedly used a fire extinguisher to put out the blaze. Police and fire officials responded to the incident.
PHOTO OF ARSON
IMAGE OF ALLEGED SUSPECT
In a statement, CAIR-Minnesota Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said:
“If not for the actions of the worshipers, this disturbing incident could have resulted in injuries or even deaths. We thank fire and law enforcement officials for their response and hope that a motive for this arson attack at a house of worship may be determined. Given past incidents targeting state mosques and Islamic institutions, we urge law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this crime.”
He noted that earlier this month, CAIR-Minnesota called to for an investigation vandalism targeting Ummatul Islam Mosque in Minneapolis., Minn., as a possible hate crime.
SEE: Minnesota Mosques Vandalized, Robbed Amid Increase in Reported Hate Crimes
He urged 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 is 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-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070