CAIR Urges Probe after Vandalism of California Mosque
The incident was caught on surveillance video. The video reportedly shows a suspect throwing a large rock through one of the mosque’s windows.
Basim Elkarra, executive director of the Sacramento Valley/Central California office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV/CC), has urged authorities to investigate the incident as a possible hate crime.
“Because a house of worship was targeted by this act of vandalism, we urge law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this troubling incident, to conduct a swift and thorough investigation and to bring appropriate charges when a suspect is apprehended,” Elkarra said in a statement. “Despite these types of attacks, we will work to create safe places for Muslims and all other faith communities.”
C n September, a mosque in south Minneapolis suffered damages amounting to more than $50,000 after a burglary and vandalism incident.
In October, five concrete vaults used in burials were destroyed at a Muslim cemetery in North Dakota. Leaders believe the incident was a “pre-planned hate crime.”
CAIR is urging American Muslims and Islamic institutions to take extra security precautions.
The organization published a booklet titled “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety,” which details the risks and vulnerabilities faced by the Muslim community, as well as solutions available to them.
Source: Yahoo News
