(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 11/2/23) – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Minnesota) is calling on community members to offer any information they have about fires at the property of the Mercy Mosque in Minneapolis.
CAIR-Minnesota is asking authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for the fires.
On Wednesday, members of the mosque discovered the fire at the mosque’s garage, alongside two adjacent garages and a residential property, all belonging to the mosque. The fire resulted in extensive damage, leading to the total loss of all three garages, as well as fire and water damage to the adjacent residential property. The preliminary estimated cost of the damage exceeds $100,000, with the potential for additional costs as further assessments are conducted.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and CAIR-Minnesota is appealing to anyone who may have seen any unusual activities around the mosque at the time of the fire to come forward and contact the Minneapolis Police Department immediately.
This incident follows a previous arson attack on the Mercy Mosque earlier this year, where quick action from the local fire department prevented further damage while more than 100 people were inside the mosque.
That arson was just one of a number of incidents targeting mosques in the state this year.
In light of the previous attack and increasing community tensions, CAIR-Minnesota is also urging law enforcement to conduct a comprehensive investigation into this incident to determine if there is a possible bias-motive.
“We stand united with the Mercy Mosque community and are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all community members,” said CAIR-Minnesota Executive Director Jaylani Hussein.
He urged the local Muslim community and Islamic institutions to take extra security precautions by using advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “ Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety. ”
CAIR-Minnesota is the largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization in the state, working to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-MN Director of Advocacy Osman Ahmed 612-459-0334, o-ahmed@cair.com or CAIR-Minnesota Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com