• CAIR-MI: Schools Discriminated Against Arab Americans (Free Press)
  Notices about staff openings must be sent to a number of community groups, including ACCESS, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.
• CAIR: Naming of Muslim to UC Board Stirs Controversy (Reuters)
  CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said opponents who disagreed with Saifuddin's politics wanted to unjustly exclude her from civic participation. "Anytime an American Muslim rises to a prominent position, or starts to rise to prominence, that tiny minority of 'Islamophobes' in our society goes into action and seeks to marginalize and disenfranchise that individual."
  
  • CAIR-CA Congratulates First Muslim on UC Student Regent Post
• LA: EMS Official Settles Claim in 9/11 'Security Breach'
• CAIR-Cleveland Hosts Interfaith Ramadan Dinner (Plain Dealer)
  
  • CAIR: Ramadan Fasting Month Leads to Business Boom for Grocers
• Anti-Islam Bill Resurfaces in North Carolina Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR Seeks Hate Crime Charges for Threats to S. Calif. Mosque Worshippers

(SAN DIEGO, CA, 7/18/2013) -- The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) today urged prosecutors to bring hate crime charges against a man who allegedly walked into a local mosque during early-morning prayers, called worshippers "terrorist rats" and shouted, "I'm going to kill all of you."

Larry Michael Rodgers, 52, was arrested on suspicion of making terrorist threats after allegedly threatening the congregation of the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont Monday morning. Rodgers remained in jail Wednesday night on $50,000 bail.

Video: Man Arrested for Threatening Mosque Congregation (CAIR-San Diego)
Clairemont Man Jailed in Alleged Mosque Death Threat 
Man Enters Calif. Mosque, Yells "Terrorist Rats"
Mosque Threats Lead to Arrest, Search (U-T San Diego)

Investigators say they are concerned that Rodgers may have been behind a series of bomb threats in May of this year targeting the Islamic School of San Diego, which is located next to the mosque. One threat left on the school's answering machine said, "I'm going to throw a bomb at your (expletive) school."

Video: CAIR-San Diego Asks FBI to Probe Threat Against Muslim School

"Based on the apparent bias motive in this case, we urge local, state and federal prosecutors to consider appropriate hate crime enhancements to any charges brought against the alleged perpetrator," said CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Hanif Mohebi.

Mohebi added that CAIR has an outreach initiative to invite people of other faiths to visit a state mosque during Ramadan. Those interested in visiting a mosque may contact thenearest CAIR chapter for information.

He also noted that CAIR's Texas chapter recently called on local and national law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for acts of vandalism targeting mosques in that state.

SEE: Police Have Suspect in Victoria Islamic Center Vandalism 
Video: CAIR Rep Says Texas Mosque Vandalism Should Not Be Taken Lightly

In June, CAIR's New Jersey chapter sought a hate crime investigation of vandalism targeting a mosque in that state.

CAIR-NJ (Video): Vandalized Islamic Center Thanks Public and Police

Vandals recently targeted other mosques in Minnesota and Georgia.

Video: CAIR Seeks Probe of Bias Motive for Minnesota Mosque Vandalism
Video: CAIR Says Ga. Mosque Vandalism May Be Tied to London Incident
Video: CAIR Asks FBI to Probe Georgia Mosque Vandalism

In May, CAIR began distributing new safety and security guidelines to mosques and other Islamic institutions nationwide.

The new CAIR publication, "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety," was produced in response to recent bias attacks, including a series of incidents last year targeting American Muslim institutions.

Community leaders may request a free copy of CAIR's "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety," by going to: http://www.cair.com/mosque-safety-guide.html

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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