September 12, 2012

MPAC today strongly condemns the attacks on the U.S. Embassies in Cairo and Benghazi, Libya, and we grieve along with the rest of our nation over the deaths of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens. These attacks were not just an attack on our embassies but on our nation as a whole. Watch our interfaith press conference from the day.

SEE: "Obama Condemns Killing of U.S. Ambassador to Libya" (CNN)

The attacks come after a low-budget movie on YouTube called “Muhammad” incited anger by depicting Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in a demeaning and degrading manner. MPAC condemns the film and its desecration of religious symbols.

“This is a sad day for America as we mourn the deaths of four citizens who were living in a country to help Libyans achieve freedom,” said Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC President. “It is deplorable and unfortunate that such an irrelevant film has succeeded in its objectives of causing violence and death in Egypt and Libya.”

Earlier today, President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held a press conference at the White House about the attacks.

“No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation,” he said. “Make no mistake: Justice will be done to those responsible for this attack.”

We call for the protection of all U.S. personnel throughout the world. We look to our Muslim leadership to reflect on how we have reached such an extreme point in our community.

Join the conversation on Twitter by following #notoviolence.

MPAC in the News

“American Muslim Leaders Condemn Attacks”
New York Times

"When You Try to Incite, You're Not Part of Our Civic Society" 
PBS Religions & Ethics

“Local Reactions To The Attack On The US Consulate in Libya” 
FOX 11 - Los Angeles

“A Mysterious Anti-Islamic Filmmaker's Connection to Attacks in Libya, Egypt” 
AirTalk with Larry Mantle on 89.3 KPCC - Southern California

“Libyan-Americans In Southland Speak Out Against U.S. Embassy Attack”
KCAL 9

“U.S. Muslims Worry about Fall-out from Libya Attacks”
Religion News Service

“US Muslim Leaders Condemn Violent Protests in Libya, Egypt” 
Voice of America

“Jewish Groups Condemn Libya Attack on US Envoys” 
Jewish Telegraphic Agency

“Muslims and Muslim Organizations Condemn Attacks on U.S. Embassies” 
The American Muslim