The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) today issued a statewide security advisory to Connecticut mosques and Islamic centers after receiving reports that additional Muslim institutions may have received anti-Muslim telephone calls similar to the hateful voicemail recently directed at the Islamic Center of Vernon.
Earlier this week, Vernon Police announced that they had identified a potential suspect in connection with a hateful voicemail left at the Islamic Center of Vernon and indicated that possible bias crime charges remain under review.
SEE: Islamic centers in Vernon, Bridgeport targeted by calls containing ‘anti-Muslim hatred,’ group says – Connecticut Post
SEE ALSO: Advocates advise CT mosque to file hate crime complaint after alleged anti-Muslim message – Hartford Courant
Vernon police investigate anti-Muslim voicemail targeting Islamic center – WFSB
Police investigating alleged anti-Islam voicemail left at Vernon mosque – WTNH.com
Since that incident became public, CAIR-CT has received reports that other Connecticut mosques may have received similar communications allegedly originating from the same telephone number.
One such report involves the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center (BICC), whose imam reported receiving a call containing anti-Muslim statements. CAIR-CT has encouraged affected institutions to contact their local law enforcement agencies and preserve all available evidence.
“While we are not aware of any specific or credible threat against Connecticut mosques at this time, these reports may suggest a pattern of conduct directed at Muslim houses of worship,” said Farhan Memon, chairman of CAIR-CT. “Mosques should remain open and welcoming while also exercising appropriate vigilance and promptly reporting suspicious or threatening communications.”
CAIR-CT has advised mosque leaders to:
• Preserve voicemails, call logs, text messages, and screenshots.
• Report threatening communications to local law enforcement.
• Review security and emergency procedures.
• Notify CAIR-CT of similar incidents to help identify patterns affecting multiple institutions.
CAIR-CT also encouraged communication among local and state law enforcement agencies should investigations reveal connections among incidents occurring in multiple jurisdictions.
The advisory follows recent meetings between Connecticut Muslim leaders, Governor Ned Lamont, and Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell Higgins regarding mosque safety, security resources, and bias-related incidents affecting Muslim communities.
“Connecticut’s Muslim institutions should not face intimidation or harassment because of their faith,” Memon said. “We appreciate the efforts of law enforcement agencies that are taking these reports seriously and encourage continued coordination if these incidents prove to be connected.”
CAIR-CT asks any mosque or Islamic institution that receives similar communications to contact local law enforcement and notify CAIR-CT’s civil rights department.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT:
Farhan Memon
Chairman, CAIR-Connecticut
fmemon@cair.com
203-517-6526