U.S. Muslims Condemn Attack at Fort Hood

CAIR calls shootings cowardly and inexcusable

(CHICAGO, 11/5/09) -A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy group tonight condemned an attack on Fort Hood military base in Texas that left at least 12 people dead.

In a statement, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:

“We condemn this cowardly attack in the strongest terms possible and ask that the perpetrators be punished to the full extent of the law. No religious or political ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence. The attack was particularly heinous in that it targeted the all-volunteer army that protects our nation. American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens in offering both prayers for the victims and sincere condolences to the families of those killed or injured.”

Along with innumerable condemnations of terror, CAIR has in the past launched an online anti-terror petition drive called “Not in the Name of Islam,” initiated a television public service announcement (PSA) campaign against religious extremism and coordinated a “fatwa,” or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and extremism.

SEE: CAIR's Anti-Terrorism Campaigns

For local interviews call Ahmed Rehab, CAIR-Chicago Executive Director, at 202-870-0166, or Amina Sharif, CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator, at 630-935-5562.

For national interviews call Ibrahim Hooper, CAIR National Communications Director, at 202.488.8787 or 202.744.7726.

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: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director, CAIR-Chicago, 202.870.0166; E-Mail: arehab@cair.com Amina Sharif, Communications Coordinator, CAIR-Chicago, 312.212.1520 or 630.935.5562; E-Mail: asharif@cair.com Ibrahim Hooper, National Communications Director, 202.488.8787 or 202.744.7726; E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com