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BREAKING NEWS:

CAIR: Fla. Mosque Bombing Suspect Killed in Okla. Shootout
Muslim civil rights group thanks FBI for year-long pursuit of alleged bomber

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/4/11) -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today thanked the FBI for its year-long investigation that led to a man suspected of bombing a Florida mosque.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said the 46-year-old suspect, Sandlin Matthews Smith, was shot and killed earlier today in Oklahomaas FBI agents and state law enforcement personnel attempted to arrest him in a state park.

SEE: Fla. Mosque Bombing Suspect Fatally Shot in Okla. (AP)
Suspect in 2010 Florida Mosque Bombing Killed in Shootout in Oklahoma

Last May, a bomb exploded outside the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida in Jacksonville. Local, state and national law enforcement authorities investigated the attack as a possible act of domestic terrorism. CAIR offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.

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"While we regret that this individual will not face justice in a court of law, we thank the FBI for its year-long effort to bring the alleged perpetrator to justice," said Muneer Awad, executive director of CAIR's Oklahoma chapter (CAIR-OK). "We must now determine whether the suspected bomber acted alone or was part of a larger group."

"The startling developments in this case may help bring some peace of mind to the Florida Muslim community targeted in last year's terror attack," said CAIR-Tampa Communications Director Ramzy Kiliç.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. 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.

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