Mass Shooting Plot at Ohio Mosque Disrupted; Civil Rights Group Responds

IQNA – A plot to carry out a mass shooting at an Ohio mosque, complete with social media posts referencing the Christchurch terrorist attack, was disrupted with the arrest of Wyatt James Brzoska, according to federal authorities.

The Northern Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Northern Ohio) on Wednesday welcomed the arrest of Brzoska.

Brzoska, 20, reportedly posted videos referencing mass shootings and symbols linked to extremist groups. Brzoska allegedly posted a video with references to the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand. He reportedly told investigators that he owns an assault weapon, two shotguns and a rifle. Brzoska allegedly recorded a video from showing a mosque in Ohio and stated, “You will feel it.”

In a statement, CAIR-Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh said:

“We welcome the arrest of the suspect and commend law enforcement authorities for their swift action to prevent what could have been a devastating act of violence targeting a house of worship. No community should have to live in fear of being attacked because of their faith.

“This disturbing case underscores the ongoing threat of anti-Muslim hate and the importance of proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities. We call on public officials to repudiate Islamophobia and urge community leaders and law enforcement agencies to work collaboratively with local Muslim institutions to ensure their safety.”

Odeh added that yesterday, CAIR’s Pittsburgh chapter 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.

She recommended that community leaders utilize the information offered in CAIR’s “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety,” a booklet that offers advice on how to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to houses of worship of all faiths.

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. 

Source: Cair.com