A South Minneapolis mosque suspended most of its weekend programs after receiving a security threat, prompting leaders to bolster safety measures for its community.
The Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center was targeted in a TikTok post on Friday, December 13, according to Executive Director Mohamed Ali. Minneapolis police promptly notified mosque leaders about the threat, arriving that evening to offer support.
While the mosque remained open for prayers, instructional classes and community activities were canceled for the weekend. A notice about the incident was sent to hundreds of congregants.
“There is going to be trauma,” Mohamed stated on Tuesday, expressing concern over how threats evoke memories of past tragedies, such as the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019, where 51 worshippers were killed.
Minneapolis police Chief Brian O’Hara met with mosque representatives on Saturday, and additional police patrols were deployed to the area. By late Sunday, police determined it was safe to resume regular activities, Mohamed confirmed.
READ MORE: Imam Urges Action: Children in Syrian Camps Deserve a Second Chance
The department’s threat assessment unit concluded that the post did not pose a credible danger, said police spokesperson Sergeant Garrett Parten. Details about the specific nature of the threat were not disclosed by either police or mosque officials.
A Vital Community Hub
Abubakar As-Saddique, one of Minnesota’s largest mosques, serves as a hub for prayer, education, and community gatherings. Imam Mowlid Ali emphasized the mosque’s significance, highlighting that attendees visit multiple times daily, while youth spend hours participating in educational programs.
The mosque also welcomes non-Muslim neighbors during Ramadan and frequently hosts students studying world religions to learn about Islam. The property includes a school, Aim Academy of Science and Technology.
“It must remain a place of safety for all,” said Mowlid.
Heightened Security Needs
The threat was first flagged by the FBI, Mohamed revealed, praising local authorities for their prompt response. The FBI did not comment on the matter.
While the mosque has long invested in security—installing surveillance cameras, hiring private guards, and occasionally employing off-duty police—Mohamed stressed the financial strain these measures impose on the community-funded institution.
“We still feel the need for even more security,” he said, noting that at any given moment, over 100 people might be present at the mosque, with hundreds attending Friday prayers.
Access to the mosque is tightly controlled through frequently updated codes, but maintaining an open, welcoming space while ensuring robust security is a persistent challenge.
Although mosques and other nonprofits in Minnesota can apply for federal grants to enhance security, Abubakar As-Saddique’s past applications were unsuccessful. The mosque plans to reapply, Mohamed confirmed.
Broader Concerns in Religious Communities
This incident is part of a larger pattern of threats and vandalism targeting places of worship in the region. Earlier this year, several mosques in Minneapolis and St. Paul faced vandalism and arson, sparking calls for increased protection from faith leaders and state officials.
In a separate case, vandals repeatedly broke into the future Tibyan Center for Quranic Sciences in St. Anthony. On Monday, Minneapolis police launched an investigation after swastikas were spray-painted on Temple Israel, the city’s largest Jewish synagogue.
The Abubakar As-Saddique mosque has weathered cycles of heightened security concerns over the years, particularly during politically charged periods like 2016-2017, Mohamed noted. Events such as the Christchurch attacks in 2019 further amplified fears of similar incidents.
“Now, it feels like we’re back in that place again,” Mohamed remarked.
For Imam Mowlid, the cancellation of weekend activities, especially those involving youth, was a deeply disheartening decision. However, he stressed the importance of reassuring the community that the mosque remains a sanctuary.
“This is a place of peace for everyone who visits,” he affirmed.