On Monday, July 4, the Houston chapter the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston) held a news conference to urge greater Houston Muslim community leaders to consider instituting additional security measures in the wake of a number of hate incidents across the country within the last week targeting Muslims and Islamic houses of worship.
CAIR-Houston is recommending particular attention be paid to security during these last days of the Holy Month of Ramadan at nightly prayers associated with the Ramadan fast (taraweeh) and at the coming Eid Al Fitr prayers and celebrations.
“Due to the rash of hate incidents and attacks we have seen across the country within the last week, the tragic shooting of one of our beloved greater Houston community members and the anti-Muslim political climate, we urge local community leaders to seek increased police patrols in the areas surrounding mosques and at all Eid Al Fitr prayers and celebrations,” said CAIR-Houston Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll. “Community safety is of the utmost importance and we applaud the Houston Police Department for its prompt show of concern and action following today’s shooting.”
In response to incidents targeting Muslims and their institutions, CAIR’s national office printed additional copies of its booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.”
