(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 4/3/2018) – The Oklahoma Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) welcomed news that a man accused of threatening to blow up an Oklahoma City mosque had been arrested.
“Given the heightened atmosphere of Islamophobia that the community faces, we are glad to see local law enforcement taking seriously the threats to our mosques and community centers,” said CAIR-OK Civil Rights Director Veronica Laizure. “We urge our community to be vigilant and observant, particularly around the mosques and community centers, and to report their concerns to CAIR-OK and to local law enforcement agencies where appropriate.”
SEE: Man charged, accused of threatening to blow up metro mosque
http://okcfox.com/news/local/man-charged-accused-of-threatening-to-blow-up-metro-mosque
Larry Dewayne Hornsby allegedly entered the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City (ISGOC) and stated his intent to “blow up this building.” He was later identified by video surveillance footage and arrested on April 3.
In March, a flyer was sent to Muslim homes, businesses, and community centers in London stating that April 3 was to be “Punish a Muslim Day” and detailing a morbid points system for various hate crimes against British Muslims. Although images of the flyer have circulated on social media, no credible information pointing to an increase in hate crimes on April 3 has been produced. Local mosques and congregations, however, remain wary and vigilant in the wake of violent assaults on Muslims throughout the past year.
SEE: ‘Punish a Muslim day” generates anger, fear and solidarity in Britain
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/04/03/punish-a-muslim-day-generates-anger-fear-and-solidarity-in-britain/?utm_term=.2360ea5e7f0e
CAIR-OK says they will continue to monitor reports of anti-Muslim bias incidents and encourages all community members to use their reporting form to document such incidents.
CAIR-Oklahoma is a chapter of 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.
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 Oklahoma Civil Rights Director Veronica Laizure, 405-430-9877, vlaizure@cair.com; CAIR Oklahoma Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com;