US Muslim group demands hate crime probe after shooting at mosque in Pennsylvania

HAMILTON, Canada

The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philly) demanded a hate crime investigation Wednesday following a shooting at the Pike County Islamic Center in Matamoras, Pennsylvania, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

CAIR-National announced on US social media company X that CAIR-Philly has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the shooting on Feb. 22.

"This act of violence targeting a house of worship is deeply disturbing and unacceptable," said Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR-Philadelphia.

"Mosques, like all houses of worship, are sacred spaces meant for peace, prayer, and community. We urge local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and determine whether this attack was motivated by hate. We are grateful for the swift outreach and responsiveness of local and state police, and we stand ready to assist in any way necessary," he added.

A statement by CAIR-National shared remarks by Mohammed Alhomsi, a spokesperson for the Pike County Islamic Center, who said, "Our congregation is shaken but steadfast. We appreciate the professionalism and outreach shown by our elected leaders as well as local and state law enforcement during this difficult time. We call on anyone with information about this incident to come forward. Our community deserves safety, transparency, and justice."

The statement revealed the frequent pattern of anti-mosque incidents in Pennsylvania, as it said the state has "experienced more than a dozen anti-mosque incidents over the past decade, including vandalism, threats, and attempted arson targeting Islamic centers in communities such as Philadelphia, Phoenixville, Upper Darby, and Norristown."

"Nationally, CAIR has documented a continued rise in anti-Muslim bias incidents in recent years, reflecting broader trends in hate-motivated activity," it added.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also condemned the shooting in a post on X. "Violence targeted at our Muslim neighbors is unacceptable, and this attack is particularly painful during the blessed month of Ramadan," he wrote. Shapiro said he would attend the breaking of the fast with the Muslim community in Pike County and celebrate Ramadan with them on Wednesday.

"The vandalism of a house of worship of any kind has no place in Pennsylvania. No matter who you pray to, I want you to know you have a home here in Pennsylvania," he added.