During Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations across the United States, several Muslim sites encountered alarming incidents. In Philadelphia, amidst a gathering of approximately 1,000 people commemorating Eid, gunfire erupted, resulting in injuries to three individuals. Police reported the discharge of 30 shots and the recovery of four firearms from the scene, leading to the apprehension of five suspects.
Representative Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania’s District Six expressed profound sadness over the event, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and support for responders.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Rutgers University’s Center for Islamic Life suffered from vandalism during Eid festivities, with significant damage inflicted upon artwork and the desecration of a Palestinian flag. Growing concerns over escalating Islamophobia and security vulnerabilities have spurred calls for immediate action from the Muslim community, with Governor Phil Murphy condemning the acts.
Nora Asker, President of the Muslim Public Relations Council, criticized Rutgers administration’s inaction against such offenses, attributing it to a surge in hateful incidents targeting Muslim and Palestinian students on campus.
In San Francisco, Masjid Al-Tawheed faced vandalism and harassment, as an individual shattered windows and menaced congregants on the final day of Ramadan. Despite police interventions and search operations, the perpetrator remains elusive.
Hala Hijazi, a member of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, recounted how the individual intruded into the mosque, smoked a cigarette, engaged in a confrontation, and issued threats to worshippers. These incidents underscore the pressing need for robust measures to combat hate crimes and safeguard religious institutions and communities nationwide.
