CAIR: FBI Asked to Probe Arson at Georgia Mosque

WASHINGTON, July 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on the FBI to investigate a possible bias motive for a fire at a Georgia mosque that officials say "appears" to be intentionally set.

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CAIR reported that the fire broke out late Monday at the Islamic Center of Marietta (Masjid Al-Hedaya) and resulted in severe damage to the facility. Evidence of forcible entry and vandalism were discovered at the site. Local authorities are investigating the blaze as a possible hate crime.

SEE: Marietta Mosque Damaged, Arson Suspected (AJC)

http://tinyurl.com/gamosquearson

Official: Mosque Fire was Arson

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/24153075/detail.html

"Given the recent wave of incidents targeting American mosques, a possible bias motive for this apparent arson attack must be considered," said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. "Unfortunately, there is a vocal minority in our society promoting anti-Muslim bigotry, and that minority is experiencing little or no pushback from mainstream religious and political leaders."

He said other recent Islamophobic incidents include a hate rally yesterday against a Florida mosque and a planned protest against the expansion of an Islamic center in Tennessee.

SEE: Anti-Islam Demonstration in Florida (Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0en933lgxfA

Opponents Plan March Against Murfreesboro Mosque

http://tinyurl.com/28b24v2

Hooper noted that CAIR recently called on the FBI to investigate a threat made to bomb a proposed mosque in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.

SEE: Mosque 'Bomber,' Under Investigation by Cops, Changes Story

http://tinyurl.com/29w3lvq

Mosques in New York also faced hate rhetoric by opponents, as did several others in Tennessee. A mosque in Jacksonville, Fla., was recently the target of a bomb attack. A Houston radio host made a controversial on-air call for the bombing of a proposed mosque and community center in New York City.

SEE: Muslims in USA Face Fears, Bias to Build, Expand Mosques

http://tinyurl.com/23v5ls2

CAIR Video: Hate Groups Promoting Islamophobia in America

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0IejW1RstE

Fla. Mosque Attack Called Terrorism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEGRSzqT_3o

CAIR Video: Texas Talk Show Host Under Fire for Mosque Bomb Remark

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLA2I6epgUE

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization 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

http://www.cair.com/ActionCenter/CommunityToolKit.aspx

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties group. 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.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations