Washington: Another Mosque Targeted by Threatening Phone Call
This incident occurred just two weeks after the oldest mosque in Washington, Muhammad Mosque, was subjected to a bomb threat.
During the brief call, which was answered by a mosque employee, the individual made reference to the 2019 attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, where 51 people were killed and 40 were injured. The caller then stated that they would target the Baltimore mosque.
Hasan Hammad, president of the mosque, assured that security measures were promptly increased and local police were present to ensure the safety of the community. However, concerns and worries persist among the congregation due to the prevalence of Islamophobia and hate towards Muslims.
In response to this incident, the mosque held a prayer service on Friday under heightened surveillance.
Zainab Chaudry, Maryland chapter director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, expressed her concern, stating that it reflects a growing “animosity towards houses of worship and the Muslim community.”
In addition to these serious threats, there have been numerous hoax calls targeting synagogues, churches, and mosques reported throughout the summer.
Just last month, the Washington mosque's weekly Friday afternoon service was disrupted when its leaders received a call claiming that a bomb had been placed within the premises. The incident was broadcasted during the mosque's livestream service. Law enforcement officers from the Metropolitan Police Department swiftly evacuated the building, conducted a thorough search, and ultimately found no explosives. The service resumed later, but the incident was classified as a "felony offense hate crime" by the police.
The FBI, following its standard protocol, did not confirm whether or not they were investigating either case. However, the agency emphasized its commitment to taking threats against houses of worship seriously and working closely with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of communities.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations released a statement on August 31, urging religious institutions nationwide to implement additional security measures and apply for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. This program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, provides funding to nonprofit organizations at a high risk of terrorist attacks. A total of $305 million was made available for the 2023 fiscal year.
Source: Agencies
