CAIR-Houston Urges Stepped-up Security for Texas Mosques Following Another Arson Attack
(HOUSTON, TEXAS, 7/19/18) – The Houston office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston) today urged Texas Muslims and Islamic institutions to take extra security precautions following another arson attack on a mosque in that state.
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the arson attack early Thursday targeting the door of the ISGH Northshore Masjid Isa ibn Maryam mosque as a possible hate crime. A vehicle at the mosque was also vandalized.
Police: Texas Mosque Fire Being Investigated as a Hate Crime
https://patch.com/texas/houston/mosque-fire-being-investigated-hate-crime-police
“Because of this incident, the recent conviction of a person who set fire to another Texas mosque, and the rise in anti-Muslim incidents nationwide, we urge Islamic institutions in our state to take extra security precautions,” said CAIR-Houston Staff Attorney Arsalan Safiullah.
To assist in that effort, CAIR is offering Muslim community leaders its booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.”
The booklet may be viewed at:
http://www.cair.com/CAIR_Mosque_Safety_Guide.pdf
Earlier this week, CAIR-Houston welcomed the conviction of a man who torched a Victoria, Texas, mosque last year.
SEE: CAIR-Houston Welcomes Conviction of Victoria Mosque Arsonist
https://www.cair.com/cair_houston_welcomes_conviction_of_victoria_mosque_arsonist
CAIR has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.
The Washington-based organization’s recently-released 2018 Civil Rights Report, “Targeted,” showed a 17 percent increase in bias-motivated incidents against American Muslims from 2016 to 2017, and a 15 percent increase in the number of anti-Muslim hate crimes in that same time period.
CAIR 2018 Civil Rights Report: Targeted
http://www.islamophobia.org/reports/224-2018-civil-rights-report-targeted.html
Community members are being urged to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR’s Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by going to: https://www.cair.com/report
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Houston Staff Attorney Arsalan Safiullah, 713-366-6686, asafiullah@cair.com; CAIR-Houston Communications Coordinator Sobia Siddiqui, 832-782-3141, ssiddiqui@cair.com
