In the wake of recent attacks, federal grants have provided much-needed support to enhance security measures at five Twin Cities mosques, two of which were targeted by vandalism last year. FEMA grants have been allocated to cover expenses for training and various security enhancements.
Last May, St. Paul’s As Sunnah Islamic Center experienced an unsettling incident when a masked suspect threw a chunk of concrete through its door. In response, the mosque’s leaders hired a security guard and upgraded the building’s security system. Imam Abdullahi Nur remarked, “The incident was a wake-up call for us.” The resulting damage, estimated at $10,000, coupled with the cost of security upgrades, left the community still grappling with shock over eight months later.
As part of an unprecedented wave of attacks in the past 18 months, four mosques, including Masjid Omar Islamic Center and Masjid Al Rahma in Minneapolis, and As Sunnah and the Oromo American Tawhid Islamic Center in St. Paul, were targeted by arson and vandalism last April and May.
Recognizing the increased vulnerability of mosques, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stepped in to provide crucial grants to nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks. Five mosques, including As Sunnah, Dar Al Qalam Cultural Center, Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center, and the Ramadan Center, each received $150,000. Dar Omar Al-Farooq was awarded $4,000.
In preparation for the upcoming Ramadan in March, Muslim leaders emphasize the significance of these grants in enhancing mosque security. The funds will be utilized to hire security personnel, install surveillance cameras, provide staff training, and establish more secure entrances and exits.
While Sheikh Yusuf Abdulle, the executive director of the Islamic Association of North America, believes these changes will make the community feel safer, Mohamed Ibrahim, deputy director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN), expressed disappointment that only five mosques received grants.
Imam Mohammed Dukuly, president of Masjid Al-Ansar, sees the grant as a means to significantly enhance safety and security, especially given the multiple attacks the mosque experienced last year. Similarly, Dar Al Qalam in Minneapolis, which faced incidents of vandalism, including a shooting that damaged the mosque’s window, plans to use the grant for security cameras, hiring a guard, repairing a damaged door, and conducting security training.
However, not all vandalized mosques received grants. Masjid Omar, Masjid Al Rahma, and the Tawhid Center missed out on funding this round, citing short notice and extensive paperwork as reasons for not applying. Despite the setbacks, leaders remain committed, with the Tawhid Center working with CAIR to apply in the next round of grant funding.
