CAIR: Security Boosted for Texas Muslim Event Following Online Threats

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- (This release was originally drafted and distributed on Jan. 30) -- The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) said tonight that law enforcement authorities will offer stepped up protection for Muslims taking part in tomorrow's "Texas Muslim Capitol Day" at the state Capitol in Austin following apparent threats made on a notorious anti-Islam hate blog.

SEE: Resolution Marking Texas Muslim Capitol Day
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/html/HR00237I.htm

[ABOUT THURSDAY'S EVENT: A diverse group of Texas Muslims, representing Islamic organizations and mosques from across the state, are expected to take part in the day-long event, which is designed to encourage positive civic participation by Muslims and their interfaith partners. Advocacy training and meetings with elected officials and their staff will take place throughout the day. CONTACT: Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-Texas's Houston chapter, 832-549-1042, E-Mail: [email protected]]

CAIR-Texas contacted law enforcement authorities after learning of apparent threats by commenters on the virulently anti-Islam hate site "Bare Naked Islam."

The threats included statements such as one posted earlier this evening by "chris" (spelling and grammatical errors maintained): "A big bunch of muzzies all in one place eh?? Why not give em a warm Texas welcome...How do you Americans say? LOCK AND LOAD!" ["Lock and load" is a slang military command to prepare weapons for battle by locking a magazine into the weapon and loading ammunition into the chamber.]

"Joel Carson" wrote: "Call out the texas militia and kill or capture all participants. What in hell is going on in texas?" Another person wrote: "Screw Moderation!! Every One of them should be looking over his/her shoulder. Did you hear that ?Crack????"

Other commenters suggested having a pork barbeque at the event so that "The smell of the pork ribs on the grill should help drown out the stink from the rump-raisers." (Muslims are prohibited from eating pork and place their foreheads on the ground during daily prayers.)

CAIR-Texas also received a hate call today.

"We have asked state and federal law enforcement authorities to ensure that Texas Muslims may participate in political activities without fear of attack or intimidation, and they have agreed to boost security for Muslim Capitol Day participants," said Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-Texas's Houston chapter. "We appreciate their swift and professional response to the apparent threats."

Carroll noted that in 2011, CAIR called on the FBI to investigate threats of violence targeting mosques posted on Bare Naked Islam. Articles and comments posted on the hate blog urged attacks on and desecration of American and European mosques.

Video: Blog Threats Target Virginia Mosque (CAIR)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qXNT-JG5hw
CAIR Asks FBI to Probe Internet Threats to Mosques
http://tinyurl.com/ch5sa97

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. 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.

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CONTACT: Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-Texas's Houston chapter, 832-549-1042, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)