The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said state Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s targeting of a proposed mosque in Broken Arrow is a “witch hunt” and “mirrors a broader pattern of anti-Muslim initiatives we are seeing from public officials in multiple states.”
Attorney General Drummond has announced an investigation into whether the proposed mosque complies with Oklahoma law and federal statutes, despite no allegations of unlawful conduct by mosque officials or organizers. The Broken Arrow Planning Commission recently approved a conditional use permit for the project, and the Broken Arrow City Council is scheduled to address the matter on January 12.
Video: CAIR-Oklahoma Says Broken Arrow Planning Commission Should Approve Mosque After Organized Opposition
In a statement, CAIR-Oklahoma Executive Director Veronica Laizure said:
“Launching a witch hunt into a mosque without any evidence of wrongdoing sends the message to Oklahoma Muslims that their houses of worship will experience heightened scrutiny simply because of their faith. This unjust and unacceptable publicity stunt mirrors a broader pattern of anti-Muslim initiatives we are seeing from public officials in multiple states, where anti-Muslim fearmongering is used for political gain rather than to uphold justice or the Constitution. If Attorney General Drummond dares to flout the law by interfering with this house of worship, he should expect to find himself answering for his actions in a court of law.”
Yesterday, CAIR’s Texas welcomed the scrapping of proposed anti-Muslim resolution targeting “sharia,” the religious principles followed by Muslims.
Last year, CAIR-Texas called Governor Greg Abbott “increasingly deranged” after he bizarrely demanded that state district attorneys investigate “sharia courts,” a longstanding anti-Muslim conspiracy theory.
Earlier today, CAIR’s Florida chapter welcomed the arrest of a North Fort Myers man who allegedly posted death threats on YouTube targeting Muslims.
Last year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report, Unconstitutional Crackdowns, which reveals that Islamophobia remains at record-high levels nationwide.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Oklahoma Executive Director Veronica Laizure, vLaizure@cair.com, 405-430-9877; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com