American Muslims Stand with Sikhs After Wis. Shootings

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From: CAIR [mailto:info@cair.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2012 3:15 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR: American Muslims Stand with Sikhs After Wis. Shootings
Houses of worship urged to review advice in CAIR community safety kit

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/5/12) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations
(CAIR) said today that American Muslims "stand with their Sikh brothers and
sisters" following a deadly shooting attack targeting a house of worship of
that faith this morning in Wisconsin.

SEE: Gunman, Six Others Dead at Wisconsin Sikh Temple
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>

In a statement, the Washington-based Muslim civil rights organization said:

"While details of the attack and the motivation of the attacker are still
emerging, American Muslims stand with their Sikh brothers and sisters in
this time of crisis and loss. We condemn this senseless act of violence,
pray for those who were killed or injured and offer sincere condolences to
their loved ones."

CAIR officials are in contact with the Milwaukee Muslim community as it
offers support to its Sikh neighbors.

Because of this and other violent incidents, CAIR is urging mosques and
houses of worship of all faiths nationwide to review advice on security
procedures contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

SEE: Muslim Community Safety Kit
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yyTPRaYXcUErOhLs-n0u6yWDV9-VaSOwJvxwbVJl>

CAIR: Mosque Attacks Common Nationwide
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>

CAIR has in the past spoken out against bias-motivated attacks on American
Sikhs. [NOTE: Sikh men who wear beards and turbans as part of their faith
are often targeted by bigots who mistake them for Muslims.]

Last year, CAIR offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the
arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals who gunned down two
elderly Sikh men in Elk Grove, Calif.

SEE: Muslim Civil Rights Group Offers Reward for Info on Gunman in Deadly
Shooting

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CAIR: Muslim Organization Offers Reward
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>

In 2010, CAIR called for an FBI investigation of an attack on a Sikh cab
driver in West Sacramento, Calif. The driver said his passengers made
anti-Muslim remarks during the attack. Two men were later arrested on
charges of felony assault and commission of a hate crime.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization.
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.

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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726,
E-Mail:ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin,
202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com