'Vigilant, not fearful': Minnesota Muslim leaders coordinate safety after California mosque shooting
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Minnesota’s Muslim leaders are gathering their community together after a deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in California on Monday.
The very next day, Minnesota's Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR-MN, gathered imams and mosque leaders along with local and federal law enforcement to talk about the shooting and security preparations for upcoming large Muslim gatherings in Minnesota. The organization will also host a public training about safety protocols and tips for the Muslim community on Saturday.
Suleiman Adan, deputy executive director of CAIR-MN, said the only word he can use to describe the San Diego shooting is “gut-wrenching.” Three men died when two teenage shooters opened fire at the mosque. Police are investigating the attack as a hate crime.
Adan said Tuesday’s meeting focused on coordination and responsibility amongst law enforcement and faith leaders for Eid al-Adha next week, a major Islamic holiday. Adan told Minnesota Now host Nina Moini that Eid prayers will likely be outdoors due to warm weather.
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“I would describe the community as vigilant, but not fearful,” Adan said. “What I saw last night amongst the Muslim leaders and our interface partners that attended, was not panic. I saw people making sure communities continue to gather safely to worship.”
Among the law enforcement at the meeting was the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, or the BCA. The agency said they have a threat assessment team that works to identify and address threats of mass violence. In a statement to MPR News, the BCA said, “we will continue working closely with faith-based communities and our public safety partners to help identify threats and support the safety of those communities.”
Adan said some Minnesota mosques have paid onsite security, while others rely on volunteers and community members to help monitor gatherings. He said some congregations have used nonprofit security grants supported through state and federal funding, though reimbursement requirements can make those programs difficult for smaller mosques to access.
“It's unfortunate that the most vulnerable moment for a person is when they are speaking to the divine, when they are in prayer, when they are enveloped in hope,” Adan said. “But we have community members that are looking out for one another.”
CAIR-MN will host a public, virtual community safety training Saturday focused on safety protocols, community organizing and existing security resources for mosques and Muslim communities across the state.
“There’s a difference between fear and vigilance,” Adan said. “Hate does not get to decide whether communities disappear, and Minnesotans know how to do that.”
Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation with Adan on Minnesota Now.
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