(PORTLAND, OR, 5/5/2022) – The Oregon chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Oregon) today condemned the attempted arson of a mosque and called for the community to check on their neighbors.
Surveillance camera video from Tuesday evening captured a man pouring “an undetermined type of accelerant” on the back the Muslim Community Center of Portland. The man lit the substance on fire, but flames failed to spread. The man then tried to light the building on fire again. Portland police said the building sustained only minor damage.
The suspect wore a blue hoodie and a face mask, carried a small blue bag and wore a black backpack. Anyone with information on the attempted arson or the suspect is asked to contact Detective Meredith Hopper at (503)823-3408 or Meredith.hopper@portlandoregon.gov.
The day prior to the incident was Eid al-Fitr, or the “feast of fast breaking” holiday, which is celebrated by Muslims at the end of the month-long Ramadan fast.
SEE: Man sets fire at Muslim Community Center of Portland
In a statement, CAIR-Oregon Board Member Muz Afzal said:
“This deeply disturbing incident is a reminder that hate and bigotry continue to pose a genuine threat to the Muslim community. Houses of worship must be safe places for communities to gather without the fear of violent attack. We urge Oregonians to check on their Muslim neighbors and look out for them.”
Afzal also urged houses of worship to take extra security precautions using CAIR “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-Oregon Board Member Muz Afzal, mafzal@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com