Muslim civil rights group asks FBI to encourage police protection at
U.S. mosques
(WASHINGTON,
D.C., 7/28/10) -- The Texas office of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-TX) reported today that local police
and the FBI are investigating possibly bias-motivated incidents of
arson, hate graffiti and racial slurs targeting a mosque in that state.
[NOTE:
CAIR is also looking into a report of recent vandalism at a mosque
under construction in Round Rock, Texas. A motive has not yet been
established in that case.]
CAIR-TX
said a Sunday fire at the playground of Dar El-Eman Islamic Center in
Arlington, Texas, followed an incident two days earlier in which
obscene anti-Muslim graffiti was discovered in the mosque's parking
lot. A third incident involved racial slurs being shouted at
worshippers on Sunday.
A
spokesperson for Arlington police told CAIR that arson investigators
and the FBI are involved in the probe. Police patrols have been stepped
up in the area surrounding the mosque.
CAIR-TX
took part in a Tuesday meeting at the mosque in which the FBI and other
fire and law enforcement officials discussed the investigation.
The
Texas Penal Code allows for enhanced penalties if an offense is
"committed because of bias or prejudice."
SEE: Penalty
if Offense Committed Because of Bias or Prejudice
“We
appreciated the prompt and professional actions of local and federal
agencies in responding to these disturbing incidents,” said CAIR-Texas
Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll, who took part in Tuesday’s meeting
at the mosque. "We ask the FBI to encourage police departments
nationwide to step up protection at American mosques and Islamic
centers."
SEE: New
York City Police to Increase Mosque Patrols During Ramadan
He
noted that a mosque in Jacksonville, Fla., was recently the target of a
bomb attack and that mosques are facing opposition nationwide.
SEE: Fla.
Mosque Attack Called Terrorism
CAIR:
Islamic Group Denounces Planned Calif. Mosque Protest
CAIR:
Tenn. Lt. Gov’s Remarks on Islam Raise Uproar
CAIR
Video: Anti-Islam Bus Ads Go Up in SF Bay Area
Fox
Opens Its Airwaves to Anti-Muslim Activist Geller
Carroll
said CAIR is urging American Muslim individuals and institutions to
review advice on security procedures contained in its "Muslim Community
Safety Kit."
SEE:
Muslim Community Safety Kit