FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR: Americans Will Remain United in Face of Boston Terror Developments

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/19/13) -- Representatives of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today joined other leaders from the national and Washington-area Muslim community at a news conference in Washington, D.C., to state that Americans will remain united in face of developments in the Boston Marathon bombings that include the naming of suspects who are reportedly Muslim.

SEE: U.S. Muslim Leaders Condemn Boston Terror Attack (USA Today)
Local, National Muslim Groups Condemn Bombings

Organizations represented at the news conference included: (In alphabetical order.)

• Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
• Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
• Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
• Masjid Muhammad (Washington, D.C.)
• Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)

In his prepared statement at the National Press Club news conference, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

"Americans are united today in condemning terrorism and in the conviction that those responsible for the terrorist attacks in Boston must face justice. This cowardly attack resulted in the murders of an eight-year-old-boy and two women, and the wounding of many others. As God tells us in the Quran, if you murder one person, it is as if you murdered all of humanity.

"While we are outraged at the terrorists, we have been inspired by the unity of Americans of all backgrounds. We are a resilient people. Now that we know the identity of the perpetrators, this unity is ever more important.

"We will show the terrorists that their plan to sow division and distrust has failed. People of goodwill are not afraid. America will stay united. We will not turn on each other in the acts of false vengeance we have witnessed after other tragedies in the past.

"American Muslims thank law enforcement for their diligent efforts to protect all our nation's citizens. We send our sincere condolences to the loved ones of the MIT police officer killed overnight and our prayers are with the law enforcement official who was wounded.

"We reiterate the American Muslim community's consistent condemnation of terrorismin all its forms."

CAIR is urging Muslim individuals and Islamic institutions to review advice on security procedures contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

MA: Muslim Woman Attacked by Man Accusing Muslims of Marathon Bombings CAIR: U.S. Muslims Mobilize to Prevent Boston Backlash

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.