FFree Oct. 31 summit will provide practical training on threat assessment, emergency response, facility security, de-escalation, crisis communication, and security grants
(BALTIMORE, MD, 9/22/2026) – The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today opened registration for leaders of statewide mosques, Islamic schools and Muslim organizations to register for its Maryland Emergency Preparedness Summit for Muslim Leaders on Saturday, Oct. 31, in Ellicott City.
WHAT: Maryland Emergency Preparedness Summit for Muslim Leaders
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, from 1:30 to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Location will be sent to registered participants.
COST: Free; advance registration is required.
DINNER: Catered by ZiZa Kabob
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/md-security-summit
For security reasons, every attendee must register in advance. Walk-in attendees will not be admitted.
The summit comes in the aftermath of the deadly terror attack targeting a San Diego mosque and amid heightened concerns about the safety of Muslim institutions nationwide. CAIR recently published a report documenting an unprecedented 183-percent increase in reported incidents targeting mosques compared with the same period last year.
SEE: CAIR Documents 183 Percent Increase in Mosque Incidents Compared to Same Time Period Last Year
Yesterday, CAIR welcomed charges brought against a Spotsylvania County, Virginia, man in connection with an alleged bomb threat made against the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center.
Also yesterday, CAIR’s Michigan chapter welcomed charges brought against a Roseville woman who allegedly threatened violence against a local mosque and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud.
Threats and acts of vandalism have also targeted several mosques recently in the Maryland region, underscoring the urgent need for faith institutions to strengthen their security protocols, emergency-response plans and coordination with public-safety agencies.
“Our mosques, schools and community institutions deserve to remain places of worship, learning and belonging,” said CAIR’s Maryland Advisory Board Member Bassant Kadry. “This summit aims to provide practical tools to assess threats, respond to emergencies and strengthen the institutions our families depend on.”
The one-stop preparedness summit is intended for mosque, Islamic-school and Muslim-organization leaders, board members, staff members, security personnel and key volunteers.
Participants will receive practical guidance on:
- Threat assessment and prevention
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Access control and facility security
- Active-threat awareness
- De-escalation and crisis communication
- Coordination with law enforcement and emergency services
- Security-grant opportunities and application processes
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END
CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, [email protected], 202-744-7726; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, [email protected], 202-770-6280