CAIR Asks FBI to Probe Iowa Mosque Vandalism

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Iowa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-IA) today called on the FBI to investigate recent vandalism at a mosque in that state as a possible hate crime. An official with the Islamic Society of Clinton County in Clinton, Iowa, told CAIR that vandals threw more than a dozen rocks at the mosque sometime prior to evening prayers on July 23. A police report indicates that the vandalism shattered glass in the facility, resulting in an estimated $350 damage. Authorities are investigating the incident as "criminal mischief." A previous incident of vandalism reportedly targeted the mosque's sign.

"Given the number of rocks thrown at the mosque and the rising level of anti-Muslim sentiment in our society, we urge the FBI to investigate a possible bias motive for this incident," said CAIR-IA Executive Director Miriam Amer.

Last week, CAIR called on the FBI to probe a Tennessee road rage incident in which a Muslim mother and son were allegedly targeted with death threats and anti-Muslim slurs by a knife-wielding driver.

SEE: Muslim Mom: Road Rage Incident 'a Hate Crime'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRP2GQVYtVE  
Police ID Road Rage Suspect Accused of Harassing Muslim Woman
http://tinyurl.com/3n9n9zx  

CAIR recently urged Islamic institutions and members of the Muslim community to review security procedures using advice contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

SEE: CAIR Asks U.S. Mosques to Step Up Security After Norway Attacks
http://tinyurl.com/3f5oezm  
CAIR Muslim Community Safety Kit
http://www.cair.com/ActionCenter/CommunityToolKit.aspx  
CAIR Asks U.S. Mosques to Host 'Sharing Ramadan' Meals
http://tinyurl.com/3ho9sqe  

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-IA Executive Director Miriam Amer, 319-573-6617, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, 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