Police in Maine probing series of anti-Muslim incidents

Police within the US state of Maine are investigating a string of regarding incidents linked to a neighborhood mosque as potential hate crimes towards the realm’s Muslim group. 

Members of the Omar Bin Alkhetab Masjib within the metropolis of Portland mentioned that in April somebody entered the mosque and began livestreaming particulars concerning the mosque. Then in early August, they reported to police {that a} video had been shared on social media of a replica of the Quran being burned. In a 3rd incident, additionally in early August, somebody spraypainted a threatening message close to the house of a Muslim household. 

“It’s a really odd sequence of incidents. We’re unsure who’s behind it or the motivations. That’s why we’re glad they’re doing an investigation,” Ibrahim Hooper, nationwide communications director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) instructed The New Arab. 

The group lately reported the incidents to CAIR, which issued a press launch this week. 

At current, Maine is the US state with essentially the most white and aged inhabitants. The demographics are slowly shifting, nonetheless, with Somali and Afghan immigrants rising in numbers, notably round Portland.  

Final 12 months, South Portland was the primary metropolis within the US to swear in a Somali mayor, Deqa Dhalac, whose candidacy and victory have been celebrated by locals.  

The state has beforehand had points welcoming Muslim immigrants. In 2002, Lewiston Mayor Robert MacDonald wrote an open letter, telling Somalis to not come to the state. This was adopted by demonstrations by locals in help of the African immigrants.  

CAIR has suggested homes of worship in Maine to take additional safety measures.