MICHIGAN MOSQUE VANDALIZED
CAIR asks FBI to probe similar incidents nationwide

(LATHRUP VILLAGE, MI, 9/15/05) - The Michigan office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) today called on local law enforcement authorities to step up patrols at a Dearborn Heights mosque vandalized early Wednesday. CAIR is also urging the FBI to investigate a recent series of similar attacks on Islamic institutions nationwide.

Later today, CAIR’s Florida office is scheduled to take part in a news conference condemning vandalism at a Boca Raton Islamic center. Other acts of vandalism have been reported at mosques in Texas, Nebraska, California, and New York.

SEE: “FL Muslims React to Vandalism at Islamic Center”
http://cair.com/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=1748&theType=NR

In the Michigan incident, representatives of the Islamic House of Wisdom (http://www.islamichouseofwisdom.com) tell CAIR-MI that an intruder broke into the mosque sometime early on September 14. The alleged perpetrator broke windows and threw paint on walls. Security alarms alerted the Dearborn Heights Police Department and a suspect was arrested. The incident has not been labeled a hate crime.

“Given the rash of similar incidents across America, we urge police and the FBI to investigate possible bias motives in this case and call on local authorities to step up patrols in the area,” said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid.

Walid urged Muslim institutions nationwide to review security procedures using advice contained in CAIR’s “Muslim Community Safety Kit.” The safety kit may be obtained free of charge by e-mailing: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Include name, address and phone number when requesting the safety kit.) It may also be ordered at: https://www.cair-net.org/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=1021

CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 31 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

To read CAIR’s Mission, Vision Statement and Core Principles, go to: http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=About