CAIR-Florida Commends Law Enforcement’s Swift Response After Florida Man Disrupts Worship Ceremony at Mosque

(MIAMI, FL, 4/2/2024) — The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-FL), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today commended law enforcement for their swift response in arresting a 48-year-old man who disrupted a worship ceremony at the Islamic Center of Greater Miami in Miami Gardens last Saturday.

Police reported that the man had previously been trespassed from the property. He reportedly approached an off-duty police officer, who was working a detail at the mosque, requesting to “retrieve his belongings” that he claimed to have left there. After leaving the premises, the man reportedly returned and began walking quickly towards the mosque. Upon being detained, he reportedly began screaming obscenities and disrupting the worship ceremony.

During the altercation, the man allegedly claimed, “I am a terrorist” and stated, “I am on the watch list.” It was later revealed that the man is homeless. He was arrested on felony charges of disturbing a religious assembly with prejudice, in addition to a misdemeanor trespassing charge.

Wilfredo Ruiz, CAIR-Florida’s Media and Outreach Director, stated: “Our community deserves to worship in peace and safety.” He added, “We welcome this arrest and hope that any other instances of hate aggression against Muslims in Miami, Broward, Tampa Bay, or anywhere in Florida are swiftly addressed with the same diligence as in this case.”

The mission of CAIR-Florida is to protect civil rights, promote understanding of Islam, advocate for justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR-Florida es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia y empoderar a los musulmanes estadounidenses.

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CONTACT: Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, Media and Outreach Director, (305) 502-6749, [email protected]