Concern is growing in Minneapolis after three incidents in a span of 14 days targeted mosques during the month of April, a time when Muslims observed Ramadan and celebrated Eid-al-Fitr.
Fires broke out Sunday at the Masjid Omar Islamic Center and Monday at Masjid Al Rahma, Minneapolis police said. The mosques are about three minutes away from each other.
"We do not know for sure if Monday’s fire was arson or if both fires are related," O'Hara said in a statement."However, due to the totality of the circumstances, we will investigate these fires as if they are connected until proven otherwise." Minneapolis police released images taken from security video showing someone who authorities believe is connected to Sunday’s fire at Masjid Omar Islamic Center.Officers who responded to Masjid Omar Islamic Center around 7:15 p.m. Sunday following reports of arson found evidence in a bathroom of a small fire that was extinguished before emergency personnel arrived. No one was injured.
“If not for the actions of the worshippers, this disturbing incident could have resulted in injuries or even deaths," CAIR-Minnesota executive director Jaylani Hussein said.We thank fire and law enforcement officials for their response and hope that a motive for this arson attack at a house of worship may be determined. Given past incidents targeting state mosques and Islamic institutions, we urge law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this crime.
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