(WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/4/20) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for vandalism targeting a Charleston, S.C., mosque.
Police are looking for three people who allegedly vandalized the Islamic Center of Charleston on two different occasions. A surveillance camera caught one individual painting a black symbol on the outside wall of the center on January 19. Officers are also looking for two individuals after the words “Utterly Blessed†were found on January 30.
SEE: Police investigating graffiti at Islamic Center of Charleston as vandalism
Police searching for three people after Islamic Center of Charleston vandalized
Police looking for vandals who targeted Islamic Center of Charleston
CPD looking to identify suspects who vandalized Islamic Center of Charleston
“Because of past incidents targeting mosques, synagogues, churches, and other houses of worship nationwide, we urge authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for these acts of vandalism,†said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.
He noted that South Carolina does not have hate crime legislation, but Charleston passed a hate intimidation ordinance in 2018.
SEE: CAIR-NY Stands in Solidarity with Jewish Community After Hate Incident Targeting Synagogue
CAIR Calls for Hate Crime Probes of Racist Graffiti in Virginia and Vermont
https://www.cair.com/cair_calls_hate_crime_probes_of_racist_graffiti_in_virginia_and_vermont
CAIR has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.
SEE: No Muslim Ban Ever Coalition Condemns Trump Administration’s Expanded Muslim Ban
https://www.cair.com/no_muslim_ban_ever_coalition_condemns_trump_administration_s_expanded_muslim_ban
CAIR-CA: Faith-Based Organizations File Amicus Brief in Support of Immigrants
https://www.cair.com/cair_ca_faith_based_organizations_file_amicus_brief_in_support_of_immigrants
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.Â
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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ayan Ajeen, [email protected]
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