Muslims Support Sikh Community after Temple Vandalism in Charlotte

American Muslims expressed solidarity with the Sikh community in North Carolina and nationwide following vandalism of a temple in Charlotte.

In a statement issued Sunday, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also urged state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for the attacks.

“Whenever a house of worship is targeted, law enforcement authorities have a duty to investigate a possible bias motive for the attacks,” said CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell.

“We stand in solidarity with the Sikh community as it is forced to deal with these troubling incidents.”

Vandals shattered windows, and cameras and lights of Gurdwara Sahib Khalsa Darbar several times over the last few months.

No arrests have been made and police have not said if incidents are being investigated as possible hate crimes.

Mitchell urged faith communities nationwide to take extra security precautions using advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.” The security advice in the booklet applies to any institution or community.

He added that CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.

SOURCE: https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/n-america/muslims-support-sikh-community-after-temple-vandalism-in-charlotte/