The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has urged authorities to investigate a potential hate crime following a troubling attack on a mosque in Kent, Washington.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning when surveillance cameras captured a man hurling rocks at the mosque’s windows. This act of vandalism has left the local Muslim community shaken and seeking answers.
We urge local, state, and federal law enforcement to thoroughly investigate this attack for any bias-related motives. The acts caught on video are deeply alarming,” said Imran Siddiqi, executive director of CAIR’s Washington state chapter, in an official statement.
This recent attack is not the first time the mosque has been targeted. In the summer of 2023, the same institution was the victim of a robbery. These incidents are unfolding amid a broader increase in reported bias crimes against Muslims and Islamic institutions, which have surged since the escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict over a year and a half ago.
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In response, CAIR is urging Mosques to implement enhanced safety measures, citing their “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” guide. The organization has also highlighted the alarming rise in bias complaints, reporting 4,951 cases nationwide from January to June 2024—a staggering 69% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
As investigations continue, CAIR emphasizes the need for vigilance and solidarity in the face of growing threats to Muslim communities across the nation.
