(PHOENIX, AZ, 3/18/19) — The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ) today renewed its call for stepped-up security at Islamic institutions in the state after a man was arrested for making threats at a Phoenix mosque.
Noel Thomas Becht, 40, was charged with threatening and intimidating, disorderly conduct and trespassing after police responded Saturday night to a report of someone acting suspiciously at the United Islamic Center of Arizona.
SEE: Man Accused of Threatening Phoenix Mosque the Day After New Zealand Shootings
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/phoenix-mosque-new-zealand-shooting_n_5c8faf2ee4b04ed2c1acbccc
“We thank the Phoenix Police Department for its quick response to this incident,” said CAIR-Arizona Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi. “As the global Muslim community is reeling from the massacre in Christchurch, New Zealand — where 50 Muslims were killed in their house of worship by a white supremacist and Islamophobic extremist — we must continue to remain vigilant. It is important for each mosque in our community to be in an ongoing dialogue with law enforcement to build or enhance a comprehensive security plan.”
He encouraged community leaders to download CAIR’s “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet at: http://www.cair.com/CAIR_Mosque_Safety_Guide.pdf
Individuals in Arizona are asked to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-AZ at (480) 704-3786, or by filing a report at: https://cair-az.org/action-center/report-incident/
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
END
CONTACT: CAIR-AZ Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi, [email protected], 480-704-3786
