US: Alabama Mosque Faces Bomb Threat amid Rising Hate

IQNA – A Muslim rights group has called upon law enforcement authorities to promptly investigate a reported bomb threat targeting the Masjid Baitul Haqq mosque in Mobile, Alabama.

An unidentified individual allegedly conveyed intentions to "shoot up" the mosque, using an AR-10, and to detonate a bomb in the mosque's bathroom.

Mosque officials have promptly notified the police, although authorities have indicated no evidence of a threat was found upon inspection of the mosque premises.

In response to the incident, Ibrahim Hooper, the National Communications Director for Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), issued a statement urging both state and federal law enforcement to treat the threat “seriously” and investigate it as a potential hate crime.

Given the recent surge in anti-Muslim violence and attacks, Hooper emphasized the importance of addressing each threat urgently, CAIR’s press service reported on Tuesday.  

“We encourage mosque leaders in Alabama and nationwide to make use of our Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety guide and implement security measures. We also encourage police to maintain a presence in the area of the mosque to ensure the safety of the congregation,” he added.

Highlighting the broader context of rising anti-Muslim incidents, Hooper revealed that CAIR received 2,171 complaints of such incidents between October 7 and December 2, 2023.

Source: Agencies