MUSLIMS OFFER CONDOLENCES TO FAMILIES OF VA TECH VICTIMS

CAIR, CAIR-MD/VA, Muslim students offer sympathy, support

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/17/07) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today offered the American Muslim community’s condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed or injured in yesterday’s tragic shooting spree on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va.

In its statement, CAIR said:

“We offer the American Muslim community’s sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who were killed or injured in yesterday’s tragic events on the campus of Virginia Tech. It is at such times of tragedy and loss that Americans must come together to offer support to those who suffered such heartbreaking losses as a result of this senseless crime.”

CAIR’s Maryland and Virginia chapter (CAIR-MD/VA) added its own condolences to those offered by the national office. CAIR-MD/VA said:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life at Virginia Tech and we join Americans of all faiths in offering our condolences and prayers to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this senseless act of violence.”

A similar statement was issued by the executive board of the Muslim Students Association at Virginia Tech. It read in part:

“The Virginia Tech Muslim Students Association expresses great sorrow for the tragic events that occurred today on the Virginia Tech campus. We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and offer our help in any way to the university campus community.”

CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 32 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.