Bomb Threat Disrupts Friday Prayers at DC Mosque
The local authorities promptly responded to the threat, leading to the evacuation of the congregation as a precautionary measure. A Metropolitan Police officer stated that they acted swiftly upon receiving the tip, ensuring the safety of the worshippers.
Imam Yusuf Selim reported that the police arrived during the sermon due to the bomb threat. Mohamed Abdulmalik, the mosque's security chief, promptly called for the evacuation, with police dogs remaining outside the prayer area, Anadolu Agency reported.
Selim clarified that bomb experts focused on the specific area mentioned in the threat. Once it became evident that the threat was unfounded, the congregation was allowed to re-enter the mosque and resume their prayers. He emphasized the importance of taking security measures seriously, particularly in a place of daily worship.
Abdulmalik noted that although the threat turned out to be baseless, the incident was officially recorded as a "hate crime" by the police, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and safety training to ensure that worshippers can continue attending the mosque in a secure environment.
The incident comes amid growing Islamophobia that Muslims in the US have experienced, especially since the 9/11 attacks. According to a recent poll by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, two-thirds of Muslims in the US reported facing some form of religious discrimination in 2021, and more than 90 percent said that anti-Muslim hatred affected their mental well-being. The poll also found that Muslims were the most likely group to experience hate crimes, hate speech, and harassment online and offline.
Source: Agencies
