Delayed Police Response to Threats Targeting Connecticut Mosque Raises Concerns
The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Connecticut) on Friday raised concerns about the delay.
According to eyewitnesses, today after congregational (Jummah) prayers had concluded, a white male drove up to the mosque in a white work van and reportedly made threats to congregants, labeling them as “terrorists” and threatening their lives. Despite the severity of the threats, the initial police response took approximately 25 minutes after a 911 call was made, requiring a second call before officers arrived at the scene.
“We urgently need clarification on the delayed response by Bridgeport police to a situation that posed a significant danger,” said Farhan Memon, Chairman of CAIR-CT. “At a time of heightened global tensions, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, such incidents can escalate quickly. It’s crucial to address how inflammatory international issues are influencing local attitudes and potentially endangering lives here.”
He urged houses of worship to utilize CAIR’s Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety guide, which contains security advice applicable to institutions of all faiths.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR’s latest civil rights report released earlier this month revealed the highest number of bias complaints ever received in its 30-year history.
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In response to these events, CAIR-CT, along with local Muslim communities, plans to seek meetings with both the Mayor of Bridgeport and the Chief of Police to discuss enhancing police protection and ensuring safety for all mosques in the area, safeguarding against such types of harassment and threats.
This is not the first instance of targeted harassment toward Masjid An-Noor. In March, during the holy month of Ramadan, the mosque was disturbed twice by the placement of pork packages, an act deeply disrespectful to Muslim practices. These incidents remain unresolved with no suspects apprehended.
The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting understanding and mutual respect among all people, particularly regarding issues related to Islam and Muslims in America.
Source: Cair.com
