SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Jan. 23 (UPI) -- A U.S. national Islamic group Monday urged the FBI to probe a recent hate crime in Michigan.
The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, CAIR-MI, issued a statement saying local, state and national law enforcement authorities needed to probe hate graffiti inscribed on the old Islamic Center of America in Detroit.
CAIR-MI said vandals had sprayed the slogans, "(RAH) You idol worship" and "Go home 911 murderers," over one of the walls of the center. "Two other area mosques were vandalized earlier this month. A number of Muslim-owned businesses have also been targeted," the group said.
Based on the recent rash of vandalism targeting area mosques, we urge the FBI to add its resources to those of local law enforcement," said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid. "The perpetrators of these acts, whoever they may be, should face the full force of the law."
CAIR described itself as "America's largest Islamic civil liberties group" with 32 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. The group says 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."
