CAIR Seeks Federal Charges for Threat of Texas Mosque Shooting Spree

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The San Antonio, Texas, chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Antonio) today called on federal law enforcement authorities to consider bringing charges against a man arrested Tuesday for vowing to "shoot as many people as possible" at a local mosque.

[MEDIA ADVISORY: At 4 p.m. today, CAIR-San Antonio will hold a news conference about the case at the Islamic Center of San Antonio (8638 Fairhaven, San Antonio, Texas, 78229). CONTACT: CAIR-San Antonio President Sarwat Husain, 210-378-9528, E-Mail: [email protected]]

The man arrested for allegedly making the terroristic threat, 44-year-old Christopher Bane, reportedly said he was going to use a .45 caliber handgun to kill Muslims at the mosque. Bane was charged with a Class B misdemeanor.

SEE: Man Accused of Threat to Shoot Up S.A. Mosque (Express-News)
http://tinyurl.com/chu7klz

"The terroristic threat allegedly made by this individual requires more serious charges than a single misdemeanor," said CAIR-San Antonio President Sarwat Husain. "We urge federal law enforcement authorities to consider more serious charges that will send a message to all those who might consider such an attack on a house of worship."

She also suggested that Bane's bail be raised substantially due to the deadly nature of the threat.

Husain said CAIR's New York chapter recently called on the FBI to investigate an apparently bias-motivated assault on a Queens man of Afghan heritage who was stabbed repeatedly outside a mosque by an attacker shouting anti-Muslim comments.

SEE: Mosque Attacker Still on the Loose: NYPD
http://tinyurl.com/brygfda

In October, CAIR's Washington state chapter (CAIR-WA) called on the FBI to investigate an apparent anti-Muslim hate attack on a Sikh taxi driver in that state. The driver was allegedly attacked by a man shouting anti-Muslim slurs after he commented on the cabbie's turban. [NOTE: Sikh men who wear beards and turbans as part of their faith are often targeted by bigots who mistake them for Muslims.]

SEE: CAIR-WA Seeks FBI Probe of Anti-Muslim Attack on Sikh Cabbie
http://tinyurl.com/bjsdrlm

Also last month, CAIR welcomed federal hate crime charges filed against an Indiana man who allegedly torched an Ohio mosque, causing more than $1 million in damage.

SEE: CAIR Welcomes Federal Hate Crime Charges for Ohio Mosque Arson
http://tinyurl.com/b5chy5q

Other American Muslim institutions have been targeted during a recent spike in hate incidents. In September, CAIR called on the FBI to investigate hate vandalism at mosques in Virginia and New York. In August, CAIR asked authorities to investigate a suspicious fire at a mosque in Minnesota.

CAIR: Burned Mosque to be Constructed Inside Joplin City Limits
http://tinyurl.com/9hqfl2b

CAIR Report: Thirteen Days in Ramadan 2012
http://www.cair.com/portals/0/pdf/Ramadan2012incidents.pdf

CAIR: Anti-Muslim Attacks Continue
http://www.salon.com/2012/10/05/anti_muslim_attacks_continue/

CAIR recently submitted written testimony for a Senate hearing on hate crimes and the threat of domestic extremism.

SEE: CAIR's Written Testimony to Senate Hearing
http://tinyurl.com/9om5zmy

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-San Antonio President Sarwat Husain, 210-378-9528, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations