CAIR Condemns Attack on Anti-Islam Event in Texas

WASHINGTON, May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned an attack Sunday on an anti-Islam event in Texas.

In a statement, CAIR said:

"We condemn yesterday's attack on an anti-Islam event in Garland, Texas, without reservation.

"We also reiterate our view that violence in response to anti-Islam programs like the one in Garland is more insulting to our faith than any cartoon, however defamatory. Bigoted speech can never be an excuse for violence.

[NOTE: Geller's American Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI) is identified as an anti-Muslim hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. CAIR had advised American Muslims to ignore her event.]

SEE: Pamela Geller Has History of Provocation (Washington Post)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2015/05/04/pamela-geller-organizer-mohammed-cartoon-contest-has-history-provocation/0ywcSVSLiA8twOeq9IDQIP/story.html 
Who Is Muhammad Cartoon Contest Organizer Pamela Geller? (Daily Beast)
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/05/04/up-to-speed-who-is-muhammad-cartoon-contest-organizer-pamela-geller.html
The Woman Behind Anti-Islamic Muhammad Cartoon Contest and Her Long History of Hatred (Daily Mail)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3066882/This-war-Woman-Muhammad-cartoon-contest-targeted-Texas-attack-long-history-anti-Islam-activism-including-controversial-NYC-transit-ads.html  
What is American Freedom Defense Initiative? SPLC Calls It an Anti-Muslim Hate Group (CNN)
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/what-is-american-freedom-defense-initiative/32788662   

"Muslims in North Texas and across the nation are shocked and saddened by this inexcusable attack and pray for the speedy recovery of the officer injured by the attackers.

"We thank the Garland Police Department for its swift actions to ensure public safety.

"Unfortunately, human history shows us that hatred breeds more hatred and extremism leads to more extremism.

"Pamela Geller, Robert Spencer, Geert Wilders and the perpetrators of yesterday's attack all seek to provoke a downward spiral of mutual hostility and mistrust in America and around the world.

CAIR Islamophobia Monitor: Pamela Geller
http://www.islamophobia.org/islamophobic-individuals/pamela-geller.html 
CAIR Islamophobia Monitor: American Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI)
http://www.islamophobia.org/islamophobic-orgs/american-freedom-defense-initiative.html  

"People of good will must work together to ensure that extremists of all faiths and backgrounds do not accomplish that malevolent goal.

"We reiterate the American Muslim community's support for freedom of speech - even bigoted speech – and its repudiation of terrorism in any form."

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.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)