The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for a hate crime investigation after an unknown intruder reportedly entered a mosque in Prince George’s County Saturday and allegedly made threatening remarks.
According to a complaint filed with CAIR, a male individual allegedly drove recklessly onto the property of the Islamic Community Center of Laurel (ICCL) during the morning (Fajr) prayer, entered the mosque as congregants were lined up for prayer and reportedly threatened: “I’m gonna go get my piece [an apparent reference to a weapon] to get even with everyone.”
Washington, D.C., based CAIR is calling for stepped-up security in the area by local law enforcement authorities and is urging anyone with information about the identity of the suspect to notify the Prince George’s County Police Department immediately.
In a statement, CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“We condemn this apparent threat of violence targeting peaceful worshippers. This type of incident threatens the safety and well-being of families who, like all Americans, deserve to worship freely, without being targeted by threats or intimidation. CAIR calls on law enforcement authorities to prioritize this case as a possible hate crime, apprehend the suspect and apply the full force of the law.
“We urge community members and leaders to take necessary precautions, but to remain undeterred and promptly report any unusual or suspicious behavior to police, mosque leaders and CAIR. The safety and security of all community members, regardless of faith or background, must be upheld and protected.”
She said CAIR is urging community and mosque leaders to use advice offered in its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to houses of worship of all faiths.
Chaudry noted that in May, CAIR’s Austin, Texas, chapter called for stepped up security at after three mosques were reportedly targeted by vandalism.
Also in May, CAIR’s Greater Los Angeles Area office (CAIR-LA) condemned the recent vandalism targeting the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) in Los Angeles.
Last month, CAIR welcomed investigations by the FBI and local police into a reported incident of pro-genocide vandalism targeting a mosque in Utah.
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” which reveals that Islamophobia continues to be at an all-time high across the country. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.
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, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kimberly Syuardi, ksyuardi@cair.com, 202-850-9293; 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