Muslim civil rights group urges vigilance for other state Islamic institutions that could be targeted by same suspect
(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 5/22/24) – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Minnesota), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities in investigate a vehicular assault on one of its staffers this afternoon outside a Minneapolis mosque as a possible hate crime.
Video: CAIR-Minnesota Staffer Assaulted with Vehicle in Front of Minneapolis Mosque
CAIR-Minnesota said its staffer was allegedly targeted in the parking lot of the Alhikma Islamic Center by an individual who has reportedly harassed the mosque and worshipers many times in the past three years. Video shows a vehicle speeding up to hit the CAIR-Minnesota staffer, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but who remains hospitalized.
“This apparently intentional attack outside a religious institution must be investigated as a possible hate crime,” said Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR-Minnesota. “We urge stepped-up security and increased vigilance at Islamic institutions statewide.”
He urged houses of worship to utilize CAIR’s Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety guide, which contains security advice applicable to institutions of all faiths.
Last month, CAIR released its 2024 civil rights report, which reveals the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints. Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
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-MN Director of Advocacy Osman Ahmed 612-459-0334, [email protected] or CAIR-Minnesota Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, [email protected]