CAIR: Texas Mosque Targeted by Arson, Hate Graffiti, Slurs

The Texas office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations
(CAIR-TX) reported today that local police and the FBI are investigating
possibly bias-motivated incidents of arson, hate graffiti and racial
slurs targeting a mosque in that state.

CAIR-TX said a Sunday fire at the playground of Dar El-Eman
Islamic Center in Arlington, Texas, followed an incident two days
earlier in which obscene anti-Muslim graffiti was discovered in the
mosque's parking lot. A third incident involved racial slurs being
shouted at worshippers on Sunday.

A spokesperson for Arlington police told CAIR that arson
investigators and the FBI are involved in the probe. Police patrols have
been stepped up in the area surrounding the mosque.

CAIR-TX took part in a Tuesday meeting at the mosque in which
the FBI and other fire and law enforcement officials discussed the
investigation.

The Texas Penal Code allows for enhanced penalties if an offense is "committed because of bias or prejudice."

SEE:Penalty if Offense Committed Because of Bias or Prejudice

"We appreciated the prompt and professional actions of local
and federal agencies in responding to these disturbing incidents," said CAIR-Texas Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll,
who took part in Tuesday's meeting at the mosque. "We ask the FBI to
encourage police departments nationwide to step up protection at
American mosques and Islamic centers."

SEE:New York City Police to Increase Mosque Patrols During Ramadan

He noted that a mosque in Jacksonville, Fla., was recently the
target of a bomb attack and that mosques are facing opposition
nationwide.

SEE:Fla. Mosque Attack Called Terrorism
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Carroll said CAIR is urging American Muslim individuals and
institutions to review advice on security procedures contained in its
"Muslim Community Safety Kit."

SEE: Muslim Community Safety Kit

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties group. 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.