Jackson urges Muslims to support issues

DEARBORN, Mich., March 29 (UPI) -- The Rev. Jesse Jackson urged unity on issues, including healthcare, at a meeting of the Michigan Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Jackson, appearing in Dearborn, Mich., called on Muslims to come together with other U.S. residents to fight for a variety of issues, the Detroit Free Press reported Monday.

Discussion of Imam Luqman Ameen Abdullah, 53, who was shot 21 times by FBI agents during an October raid on his Dearborn home, was not on his agenda, Jackson said.

"We didn't come to town to discuss the man who got killed," Jackson said, moving the subject to healthcare, jobs and the economy.

"Our quest as Americans is equal protection under the law; you can't just fight for Islamic issues," he said. "A room can't be saved if the house is on fire."

Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told the crowd he was concerned about the injuries Abdullah was found to have sustained prior to and following his death during the raid.

"He suffered dog bites, a broken jaw, broken teeth and 21 gunshot wounds, with one in the back by FBI agents," Walid said.

The FBI said Abdullah, accused of buying and selling stolen goods and encouraging members of his congregation to overthrow the government, drew a gun during the October incident.