(WASHINGTON D.C., 1/5/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to launch a hate crime investigation into vandalism targeting a mosque in Waterloo, Iowa.
Security camera video from the Al-Noor Islamic Community Center of Waterloo-Cedar Falls shows a middle-aged white woman picking up snow and using it to draw crosses on the mosque’s windows. After circling the mosque once, she used an oily substance that community members have still not been able to fully clean off to write the words “f*** Islam’ and ‘f*** Muslims” on the walls of the mosque. The woman’s face is clearly visible on the security camera video.
SEE: Woman captured on video vandalizing Islamic Center in Waterloo
In a statement, CAIR Deputy Executive Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said:
“This latest vandalism of an American mosque demonstrates the real-world dangers of anti-Muslim bigotry. We call on local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to launch a hate crime investigation into this incident. We stand in solidarity with the Iowa Muslim community and every house of worship targeted by hate.”
Mitchell noted that yesterday, CAIR welcomed a federal court to officials of the city of Horn Lake, Miss. to approve the construction of a mosque after they had unconstitutionally denied approval.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Court Order to Approve Construction of Mississippi Mosque
He noted recent incidents targeting mosques, churches and synagogues in other states.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Identification of Suspect in New Mexico Mosque Arson, Renews Call for Hate Crime Probe
CAIR-Arizona Calls for Stepped-Up Security after Tucson Assault and Mosque Vandalism
CAIR-Minnesota Calls for Probe of Possible Bias Motive for Vandalism Targeting Dar Al-Qalam Islamic Center in Minneapolis
CAIR-Chicago Condemns Graffiti Targeting Highland Park Synagogue
Video: CAIR Calls for Hate Crime Probe into Vandalism of Utah LDS Church
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 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 Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com