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CAIR: South Carolina Mosque Vandalized

Muslim civil rights group asks authorities to probe possible bias motive

WASHINGTON, July 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today asked state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for vandalism of a South Carolina mosque.

CAIR said that vandals threw a large outdoor, concrete ashtray through a window at the Islamic Center of South Carolina earlier this week, causing $1,200 in damage.

SEE: Vandals Smash Rock Hill Islam Center's Window (The Herald)
http://tinyurl.com/7dqexoa

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization noted that the incident fits a pattern of recent arson and vandalism targeting American Mosques. CAIR has contacted the local FBI office about the vandalism.

CAIR: Mosque Attacks Common Nationwide (Joplin Globe)
http://tinyurl.com/84l49vh

Yesterday CAIR called for a state and federal hate crime investigation of what officials are calling a "suspicious" fire at a Missouri mosque and for a similar probe of hate vandalism targeting a Muslim family in Texas.

Video: Surveillance Photos of Mo. Mosque Arson Suspect Released (CAIR)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGzaXXIY2BA

Video: Texas Muslim Family's Home Vandalized (CAIR)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAm-3xnfXKw

"Whenever a house of worship is targeted in this manner, state and national law enforcement authorities should consider the possibility of a bias motive," said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper .

Hooper said CAIR is urging 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 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: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper , 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin , 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations