(CANTON, MI, 4/14/2022) – The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today urged Michigan’s Muslim community leaders to step up security measures for Islamic institutions statewide following the arrest of a Minnesota man who was apprehended after allegedly making threats to blow up Detroit area mosques.
Michigan State Police two days ago apprehended a 60-year-old man who drove from Minnesota that reportedly made threats to blow up mosques in Metro Detroit and intentionally rammed 11 vehicles “driven by persons of color” in Western Michigan. The man is currently jailed in Van Buren County Jail awaiting charges.
The FBI is investigating the matter given the man reportedly crossed state lines and made threats against houses of worship.
SEE: Minnesota man drives to Michigan after making threats to blow up Detroit-area mosques, gets arrested (FOX 2 Detroit)
“In wake of the arrest of this individual allegedly making threats to mosques and persons of color of different faiths, we urge leaders of all Islamic institutions to review their safety protocols,” said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid. “There is no justification for anyone to threaten sacred spaces in Michigan or in any other state.”
Walid added that this incident is even more troublesome given that it took place during the holy month of Ramadan in which Muslims frequent religious events in mosques more than in other times of the year.
He said CAIR is asking houses of worship to take extra security precautions using its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet. The advice in CAIR’s security publication is applicable to religious institutions of all faiths.
The booklet may be viewed at:
https://www.cair.com/mosque-and-community-safety/
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-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid, dwalid@cair.com, 248-842-1418; CAIR-MI Staff Attorney Amy Doukoure, adoukore@cair.com, 586-943-8823; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com