There has been an 11x increase in threats and attacks against Muslim and Islamic Institutions from January-March 2026
Overall Assessment
We assess that the general threat of physical attacks against Muslims is ELEVATED. This assessment is informed by recent incidents involving vandalism, online threats, physical assaults, and attempted acts of violence targeting both individuals and mosques. Over the past few months, we have witnessed a significant increase in anti-Muslim and mosque threats and violence, with an elevenfold increase in March alone compared to January 2026. These developments indicate a continued risk to Islamic institutions and reflect broader hostility toward Muslim communities, warranting awareness and vigilance.
Figure 1: Attacks on Muslims Across America in 2026, by State
Figure 2: Attacks on Muslims Across America in 2026, by Month
Individuals Targeted
March 15, 2026: A Muslim man in Lombard, Illinois was the victim of a hate crime.
March 17, 2026: A Muslim woman was assaulted at a Brooklyn, New York subway station by an individual shouting Islamophobic remarks.
March 24, 2026: A Muslim woman was assaulted and nearly raped in Central Park, New York.
March 26, 2026: A plot to assassinate Nerdeen Kiswani in Hoboken, New Jersey was foiled by the FBI.
3/15/26 - Man Charged with Hate Crime in IL Against Muslim American
Institutions Targeted
January 16, 2026: A photograph taken at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland, shows graffiti reading “[slur] Muslims” and “Nuke Palestine,” with a drawing of a Star of David.
February 22, 2026: Shooting occurred at the Islamic Center in Pike County in Westfall Township, Pennsylvania after Taraweeh.
March 1, 2026: A verified X account has been tweeting calls for mosque burning, including the Islamic Center of South Plains in Lubbock, Texas.
March 7, 2026: The Islamic Center of North Phoenix in Arizona was targeted with a paintball gun.
March 9, 2026: The Islamic Mission of America in Brooklyn, New York was desecrated.
March 13, 2026: A bomb threat targeted the Islamic Center of Western Pennsylvania in Wexford, Pennsylvania.
March 17, 2026: A Muslim community crescent moon was destroyed in Tempe, Arizona.
March 18, 2026: Wyatt James Brzoska issued threats to burn and attack mosques in Medina County, Ohio.
March 31, 2026: An individual sent a threatening letter to the United Islamic Center of Arizona in Glendale
3/7/26- North Phoenix Islamic Center targeted with a paintball gun
2/22/26- Shooting occurred at the Islamic Center in Pike County after Taraweeh
3/31/26- Threatening letter sent to the United Islamic Center of Arizona
MPAC-CSTP Security Recommendations
Immediate Operational Posture
Establish a "Challenge Culture": Encourage staff and volunteers to use the "Power of Hello." Greeting every visitor serves a dual purpose: it is hospitable to guests and acts as a deterrent to bad actors who realize they have been identified and "marked" by the community.
Controlled Access: Limit the number of open entry points during prayer times, especially Jumu'ah. Ensure all secondary doors are "Locked and Monitored."
Visible Deterrence: If resources allow, increase the presence of visible security (licensed private security or off-duty law enforcement) at entrances during peak hours.
Physical Security & Target Hardening
Perimeter Integrity: In light of the recent paintball and arson threats, ensure your facility’s perimeter is well-lit at night. Check that all CCTV cameras are functional, recording, and positioned to capture license plates and facial features at entry points.
Mail & Package Screening: Given the history of "desecrated" institutions, designate a specific area for mail processing away from the main congregation and train staff to identify suspicious packages. UIC of Arizona received a threatening letter with a suspicious substance in it.
Fire Prevention: Following the threats by individuals like Wyatt Brzoska and “@lbk_enjoyer,” ensure all fire extinguishers are serviced and that brush or flammable materials are cleared from the building's exterior.
Reporting and Liaison
Law Enforcement Coordination: Immediately share this MPAC-CSTP threat assessment with your local police department’s "Community Liaison" or "Faith-Based" officer. Request increased patrols during prayer times.
Incident Reporting: Remind the congregation: "If you See something, Say something." Do not ignore "minor" vandalism or online "trolling." Report every incident to local law enforcement and MPAC-CSTP to help build the national threat picture.
Digital Vigilance: Monitor your mosque's social media pages for the specific names or rhetoric mentioned in this report (e.g., Wyatt James Brzoska or similar arson-related threats).
MPAC-CSTP Incident Tracker
MPAC-CSTP will continue to closely monitor developments and provide updates as needed. To report an incident, please use the link below.