The Council on American-Islamic Relations says 2016 was the worst year on record for incidents in which mosques were targets of bias crimes. So far this year, more than 30 mosques have been targeted. Last weekend the Islamic Center of Fort Collins became one of them. Its doors were kicked in, windows were smashed, benches were overturned, and a Bible was left behind. A 35-year-old former Army medic has been arrested in the case and according to the Fort Collins Coloradoan he told police he’s the man they’re looking for.
Mosque spokesman Shakier Muhammad said that after a spate of similar attacks around the country, as well as in Canada and Europe, he wasn’t surprised by what happened in Fort Collins. He spoke with Colorado Matters host Nathan Heffel about the weekend’s events, and how members of the mosque appreciated the outpouring of support in the city after the attack was reported.
