Islamic Center of Southern California

Islamic Center of Southern California Condemns Seattle Hate Crime at Jewish Federation July 29, 2006

The Islamic Center of Southern California condemns in the strongest possible terms the murder of one person and the wounding of five others at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle yesterday afternoon by a mentally ill Muslim. In addition, the Islamic Center expresses its deep condolences to the Jewish Federation and the families of the victims and prays for the speedy recovery of those injured by this crime motivated by hate.

According to the Seattle Times, Naveed Afzal Haq, 30, of Everett, WA, burst into the offices of the Jewish Federation shortly after 4pm PST and opened fire with a handgun. Haq reportedly has a history of mental illness and court records show a charge of lewd conduct pending against him in Benton County, WA.

Responding to the concern that Haq may not have been acting alone, FBI officials stated it was unlikely he had links to any group.

[There is] "nothing to indicate he is part of a larger organization" said David Gomez, assistant special agent in charge of counterterrorism for the FBI's Seattle office.

See: Hatred hits home: 6 shot at Jewish office (Seattle Times, 7/29/06)

The ICSC conducted a press conference today along with the Muslim Public Affairs Council to express our condemnation and condolences. We extend our condolences to the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles as well.

Dr. Maher Hathout, Chair of the ICSC stated, “we at the Islamic Center are saddened and dismayed by this act of hate. No matter the differences in viewpoints on the Middle East crisis, we are all Angelenos and Americans, and disagreements should never go beyond the level of civil discourse we as a society pride ourselves in. This act, although committed by someone seemingly mentally ill, is simply intolerable. We reiterate our prayers for the loved ones affected by this tragic hate crime."



	The ICSC Condemns Seattle Hate Crime at Jewish Federation
	Islamic Center of Southern California Condemns Seattle Hate Crime at Jewish Federation July 29, 2006 The Islamic Center of Southern California condemns in the strongest possible terms the murder of one person and the wounding of five others at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle yesterday afternoon by a mentally ill Muslim. In addition, the Islamic Center expresses its deep condolences to the Jewish Federation and the families of the victims and prays for the speedy recovery of those injured by this crime motivated by hate. According to the Seattle Times, Naveed Afzal Haq, 30, of Everett, WA, burst into the offices of the Jewish Federation shortly after 4pm PST and opened fire with a handgun. Haq reportedly has a history of mental illness and court records show a charge of lewd conduct pending against him in Benton County, WA. Responding to the concern that Haq may not have been acting alone, FBI officials stated it was unlikely he had links to any group. [There is] "nothing to indicate he is part of a larger organization" said David Gomez, assistant special agent in charge of counterterrorism for the FBI's Seattle office. See: Hatred hits home: 6 shot at Jewish office (Seattle Times, 7/29/06) The ICSC conducted a press conference today along with the Muslim Public Affairs Council to express our condemnation and condolences. We extend our condolences to the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles as well. Dr. Maher Hathout, Chair of the ICSC stated, “we at the Islamic Center are saddened and dismayed by this act of hate. No matter the differences in viewpoints on the Middle East crisis, we are all Angelenos and Americans, and disagreements should never go beyond the level of civil discourse we as a society pride ourselves in. This act, although committed by someone seemingly mentally ill, is simply intolerable. We reiterate our prayers for the loved ones affected by this tragic hate crime."
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