The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned anti-Muslim vandalism targeting a neighborhood in south St. Louis County, Missouri, where Islamophobic graffiti was reportedly spray-painted on streets and sidewalks.
According to local reports, police are investigating multiple incidents involving hateful messages directed at Muslims and immigrants in the affected area.
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
“We strongly condemn these acts of anti-Muslim hate and intimidation targeting residents in Missouri. Bias-motivated vandalism and hate rhetoric contribute to a climate of fear and division that threatens the safety and well-being of American Muslims and other minority communities. We urge law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable.”
CAIR noted that its latest civil rights report documented 8,683 anti-Muslim bias complaints in 2025 – the highest number ever recorded by the organization since it began publishing civil rights reports in 1996.
The Center for the Study of Organized Hate showing an approximately 1,450 percent increase in anti-Muslim extremist rhetoric by public officials in the 15 months after February 2025, warning that many such statements satisfy criteria for speech likely to inspire violence.
CAIR is also calling on Muslim community leaders to utilize its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to all houses of worship.
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 Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]