May 12, 2010

Pipe bomb attack on a Florida mosque

The Muslim Public Affairs Council today called a pipe bomb attack on a Florida mosque an "act of terror," and welcomed the news that the Department of Justice today said it will be investigating the attack. 

SEE: "Pipe Bomb Used in Jacksonville Mosque Blast" (The Florida Times-Union)

An unknown perpetrator planted an explosive device that exploded around 9:30 p.m. on Monday night behind the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida in Jacksonville. At least 60 people were inside the mosque for evening prayers when the pipe bomb detonated.

"Planting a pipe bomb outside a house of worship is nothing less than an act or terror, and should be treated as such," said MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati. "An attack against a place of worship is a crime that touches all of our lives. Such deep religious bigotry and hate toward Florida's Muslim population should be condemned as universally as other recent attacks on religious sites."

Al-Marayati called on religious leaders to raise their voices collectively against attacks on houses of worship. MPAC also called on local houses of worship to demonstrate increased vigilance in light of the attack, citing other recent attacks on houses of worship in recent months. 

The incident comes just a month after mosque officials reported a man entered the center and shouted, "Stop this blaspheming!" and said he'd be back as people escorted him out of the mosque. 

Earlier today, the Council on American-Islamic Relations announced a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the bomber. Anyone with information about the Islamic Center fire bombing should contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at (904) 630-0500 or the FBI at (904) 248-7000.