An American Islamic centre based in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, has been forced to ramp up security after an Islamophobe threatened to “burn it down” during an abusive phone call.
Dearborn Heights police confirmed Tuesday they are investigating threats made against a large and well known mosque in the city, the Islamic Institute of America.
Police and city officials said they have identified a person of interest in the case who is allegedly located in Texas, but no arrests have been made so far.
Over the past three or four days, the person has been calling the imam of the mosque and then he started calling the secretary, leaving some threatening messages, Dearborn Heights Police chief Ahmed Haidar told the Free Press.
“An individual who doesn’t live in our community called here to the mosque and made some threats about maybe burning down the city of Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, a lot of Islamophobia threats that were on audio recording. He did say that ‘I’m going to burn it down.'”
In response to the disturbing threat, Chairwoman of the Islamic Institute of America, Danielle Elzayat, issued a statement emphasising the mosque’s robust efforts to protect worshippers.
“I write to inform you of recent threats directed toward our beloved mosque. Please rest assured that your safety remains our top priority.
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“We are in close contact with law enforcement and security experts to assess the situation and strengthen our safety measures. The Board of Directors and I are implementing additional protocols and coordinating with authorities to ensure a secure environment for all.
“While such news can be unsettling, we reaffirm our commitment to keeping the mosque a safe and welcoming space for worship, learning, and community. Your patience, understanding, and prayers are deeply appreciated. If you notice anything suspicious, please contact us or the local police. Let us stay vigilant and united.”
The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil right and advocacy organisation, today called for stepped-up police protection for mosques and Islamic institutions.
In a statement, CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid said: “These threats targeting Michigan mosques reflect a disturbing national trend of emboldened anti-Muslim bigotry. No one should fear for their safety when attending their house of worship. We call on local, state, and federal authorities to provide increased security support to Islamic institutions across Michigan and to treat these threats with the urgency and seriousness they deserve.
“We also urge the public to stand in solidarity with the Muslim community – and all other minority communities – against hate and extremism. Now is the time for all Americans of conscience to speak out against the normalisation of bigoted rhetoric and violence.”
Wider threat to community
This incident comes just one day after CAIR welcomed terrorism charges filed against a Virginia-based white supremacist who allegedly threatened to “kill Muslims” at a Michigan mosque.
Local U.S. police have identified the 32-year-old as Macin Horstemeyer from the city of Lynchburg in Virginia, who is currently being held at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail without bond.
Horstemeyer, who was arrested following a month-long investigation on 22 September, is facing charges of threatening the public, making threats online, soliciting terrorism, and conspiring to commit an act of terrorism.
Police are continuing an active and ongoing investigation, so refused to comment at this stage according to local press, however, court documents are revealing disturbing allegations which the media has begun reporting on.
Horstemeyer told officers during an interview last week, that if he did go on to carry out an attack, he would have targeted a mosque in Dearborn with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. Police did not say which mosque was targeted.
Michigan is a U.S. State which boasts a significantly sizeable community of Arab and Muslim Americans, particularly in the city of Dearborn.
Dearborn and the surrounding areas have been the focus of many headlines in recent weeks as a row over mosque loudspeakers playing the adhan publicly went viral online, and a Muslim mayor confronting an Islamophobic Christian minister at a council meeting also sparked a right-wing backlash on social media.
