MEDIA ADVISORY CAIR-WA to Seek FBI Probe of Bias Incidents Targeting Mosque (SEATTLE, WA, 2/22/2014) – On Monday, February 24, the Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA) will hold a news conference to ask the FBI to investigate apparently bias-motivated incidents targeting a mosque in that state. Early this morning, worshipers found anti-Muslim hate rhetoric scrawled on books left in the parking lot of the Islamic Center of Bothell, in Bothell, Wash. This was the third recent incident targeting the mosque. On two previous occasions, signs for the house of worship were burned and vandalized. PHOTO: Sample of Hate Rhetoric Left at Mosque WHAT: CAIR-WA to Call for FBI Probe of Hate Incidents at Bothell Mosque WHEN: Monday, February 24, 11:30 a.m. (Pacific) WHERE: Islamic Center of Bothell, 10634 E Riverside Dr., Suite 200, Bothell, WA 98011 CONTACT: CAIR-WA Executive Director Arsalan Bukhari, 206-931-3655, abukhari@cair.com "The apparent hate motive behind these incidents targeting a house of worship must be investigated by the FBI and state authorities," said CAIR-WA Executive Director Arsalan Bukhari. Bukhari noted that CAIR's Sacramento Valley chapter recently called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate vandalism of a California mosque as a possible hate crime. Video: CAIR-SV Rep Says Vandalized Mosque Seeks to Educate Others In December, CAIR urged a hate crime probe of graffiti sprayed on the Islamic Society of Appalachian Region near Princeton, W.Va. The graffiti spray-painted on the mosque and its sign made obscene references to "Allah," the Arabic word for God. Mosque members say the house of worship was similarly targeted following the 9/11 terror attacks. Video: CAIR Asks FBI to Probe W. Virginia Mosque Vandalism as Hate Crime CAIR recently welcomed an arrest in the case of a Joplin, Mo., mosque targeted by arson in 2012. SEE: CAIR Welcomes Arrest of Missouri Mosque Arson Suspect In response to previous attacks on American mosques, CAIR published a booklet called "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety" designed to be used by mosque officials, Muslim school administrators and other community leaders and activists who seek to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities to bias-motivated attacks. SEE: CAIR Distributes New Mosque Safety Guidelines To request a free e-copy of CAIR's "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety," click HERE. CAIR recently published a major report, "Legislating Fear: Islamophobia and its Impact in the United States," which identifies 37 organizations dedicated to promoting the type of anti-Islam prejudice that can lead to bias-motivated incidents targeting American Muslims. SEE: Legislating Fear: Islamophobia and its Impact in the United States 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. - END - CONTACT: CAIR-WA Executive Director Arsalan Bukhari, 206-367-4081 or 206-931-3655, abukhari@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-341-4171, arubin@cair.com