(Houston, TX 8/8/2022) – The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today responded to the murder of another Albuquerque Muslim by a serial shooter who has allegedly been targeting Muslims for nine months by calling for community vigilance and police support in the wake of these killings.
SEE: Muslim men in Albuquerque were murdered. Police are investigating possible ties to the same killer
https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/05/us/albuquerque-muslim-murders/index.html
Muslim men likely targeted and killed in New Mexico, police say
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/muslim-men-likely-targeted-killed-new-mexico-police-say-2022-08-06/
The murder comes in the wake of three murders targeting Muslim men over a nine-month period, which investigators say could be connected. Law enforcement authorities also said the men may have been targeted because of “their race and religion.”
During Saturday’s press conference in New Mexico, law enforcement urged the Muslim community to be vigilant, announced an increase in police patrols near Muslim institutions, and called on public members to report any suspicious activity or any information they feel might be relevant to the case.
In a statement, CAIR Houston Director William White said:
“No one should have to be in a state of fear just for living and going about their daily lives. The lives of Albuquerque Muslims are in danger. Whoever is responsible for this horrific, hateful shooting spree must be identified and stopped – now.”
“We appreciate local, state, and federal law enforcement for their ongoing work on this crisis in New Mexico, and for local police in Houston for increasing their patrols around area mosques. We are urging all community members to remain vigilant and to stay in groups whenever possible. We also hope that other law enforcement agencies will increase patrols around area mosques in the assurance of safety to the Muslim community.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed, and we pray that God enters them into Paradise as martyrs. We encourage Muslim communities and institutions across our nation to exercise vigilance and enhance their security while continuing to fearlessly and confidently live our faith.”
The National Chapter of CAIR also announced over the weekend that is now offering an increased reward of $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murders.
To submit a tip: Call (505) 843-STOP or visit the Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers website. An FBI representative at today’s news conference asked anyone with information about the murders to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324). Residents of Albuquerque were urged to call 242-COPS (2677).
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
