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BREAKING NEWS:

CAIR Seeks Probe of Possible Bias Motive for Fire at Houston Mosque

(HOUSTON, TX, 12/25/2015) – The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston) today called on local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for a fire at a mosque in that city.

Firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire at the mosque in southwest Houston Friday afternoon. Officials are checking surveillance video and say the cause of the fire is "suspicious."

SEE: Firefighters Battling Two-Alarm Fire at SW Houston Mosque

"Because of the recent spike in hate incidents targeting mosques nationwide, we urge law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this fire," said CAIR-Houston Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll, who is talking with mosque officials and investigators at the scene of the fire.

Yesterday, the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) questioned the release of a Richmond, Calif., man who allegedly threatened and plotted to bomb local Muslims.

Video: CAIR-SFBA Shocked at Release of Suspect Who Threatened, Plotted to Bomb Muslims

Earlier this month, a suspect was arrested for allegedly firebombing a California mosque.

CAIR: Person Detained in Fire at Coachella Mosque; Concern Over Shooting Backlash Mounts

CAIR recently released a preliminary report on more than 70 incidents targeting American mosques and religious institutions in 2015 that shows a greater frequency of damage, destruction, vandalism, and intimidation than in any other year since CAIR started tracking such cases in 2009.

CAIR Report: Number of Incidents Targeting U.S. Mosque in 2015 Highest Ever Recorded  

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Houston Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll, 832-549-1042 (cell), [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]