The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the arrest of an individual accused of making threats against the Islamic Center of Western Pennsylvania (ICWP) and is calling for continued vigilance to protect Muslim communities.
On March 13, ICWP received a threatening phone message, prompting an immediate law enforcement response and the cancellation of congregational prayers during the holy month of Ramadan out of concern for community safety.
Authorities have since arrested a suspect, identified as Ted Frank, who is now facing felony charges of ethnic intimidation and terroristic threats. The Northern Regional Police Department is leading the investigation, and the FBI has been notified.
CAIR-Pittsburgh has been in communication with ICWP leadership, providing guidance and support as the community navigates the aftermath of the incident.
SEE: Beaver County man accused of leaving message threatening Muslims at Allegheny County mosque
In a statement, CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed said:
This incident is deeply concerning, but it is not isolated. When a mosque is targeted, it impacts an entire community, including families, children, and individuals simply seeking to worship in peace. No one should feel unsafe gathering for prayer, especially during Ramadan. We will continue working with community partners to support efforts that ensure accountability and the protection of our community.”
Elected officials also responded to the incident, condemning the threat and expressing support for the local Muslim community.
In a statement, Congresswoman Summer Lee said:
“I am outraged by this hateful, threatening message and I stand with the Islamic Center of Western Pennsylvania and the entire Muslim community. Targeting a place of worship is always horrible, but it is especially heartbreaking that is happening during the month of Ramadan. I am working with local and federal authorities to help ensure that the Muslim community can pray and celebrate in peace.
“The level of open and unchecked Muslim hatred, bigotry, and fear mongering all over TV, social media, and in Congress is reprehensible. Just in the past few weeks, Members of Congress have called Muslims ‘enemies’ and said ‘we need more Islamophobia, not less.’ And as we are seeing in Western PA and around the country, this kind of rhetoric has consequences. Republican leadership should be ashamed for not condemning this. Our communities should stand together in these difficult times.”
According to CAIR’s most recent civil rights report, complaints of anti-Muslim bias and discrimination have continued to rise nationwide, reflecting an ongoing pattern of Islamophobia impacting communities across the country.
SEE: 2026 Civil Rights Report: The Right to be Different
CAIR-Pittsburgh will continue to monitor the case as it progresses and support the community as needed.
The organization encourages community members to report any incidents of bias, threats, or harassment and reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding civil rights, ensuring that all communities can live and worship freely without fear.
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.
END
CONTACT: CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed, 412-606-3601, cmohamed@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