Mosque vandalized near Seattle, Washington
Thursday, November 24, 2016
A mosque in Redmond, Washington, US, was vandalized in the early hours of Monday morning.
A granite sign in front of the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) was apparently smashed with a sledgehammer, breaking away portions of the top of the sign, causing significant cracks in a corner of the approximately five foot tall, six foot wide carved stone placard that sits on the corner of NE 67th Court and 176th Avenue NE, about 11 miles (18 km) from downtown Seattle, and two miles (three kilometers) from the main campus of Microsoft Corporation. MAPS has over 5,000 members and is the largest mosque in the state of Washington.
MAPS President Mahmood Khadeer said they had a bomb threat after the June Orlando nightclub shooting, but this is the first time the mosque has been vandalized. Several threats to worshipers were later called in to Redmond Police. Khadeer said none of the center's activities would be curtailed, and the Wednesday Thanksgiving dinner celebration would be held as planned. The mosque is to add armed guards and security cameras and, until further notice, only the front door would be opened.
Redmond Mayor John Marchione said "Acts like this aren't representative of the Redmond community, and will not be tolerated." US Representative Suzan DelBene said the "hateful act of vandalism doesn't reflect the inclusive values of the First District and our country", and "We must reject these actions in no uncertain terms, and stand united against hate."
Related news
- "At least 50 dead in shooting at Florida nightclub" — Wikinews, June 12, 2016
Sister links
Sources
- Vernal Coleman. "The sign outside the MAPS mosque in Redmond was found damaged Monday morning, police said." — The Seattle Times, November 22, 2016
- Samantha Pak. "Support pours in following vandalism at Redmond mosque" — Redmond Reporter, November 22, 2016
- Neal McNamara. "Vandals Hit Largest Mosque In Washington State: UPDATE" — Redmond Patch, November 22, 2016
External links
- Suzan DelBene. "DelBene Statement on the Vandalism of a Redmond Mosque (press release)" — Office of Congresswoman Susan DelBene of the 1st Congressional District of Washington state, November 22, 2016
- Mahmood Khadeer. "MAPS Sign Vandalized" — Muslim Association of Puget Sound, November 23, 2016 (date of access)