January 8, 2011

The Islamic Information Center condemns the viscous attack on the lives of US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Federal Court Judge John Rolls, and others that took place today. Six people were killed and 12 others wounded in a shooting outside a Tucson, Arizona, grocery store where the congresswoman was holding a constituent meeting, police said. President Obama has announced that Judge Rolls has died as a result of the injuries he sustained. Congresswoman Giffords is expected to survive. Associated Press reports that the shooter is in custody, and has been identified by people familiar with the investigation as Jared Loughner, 22. Pima County Sheriff's officials said he used a pistol to carry out the shooting spree. U.S. officials who provided his name to the AP spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release it publicly. The attack appears to be unrelated to Islam and Muslims, although police are still investigating the reason for the attack, or whether it will be designated a terrorist act.

January 29, 2011

The Islamic Information Center joins MPAC and CAIR in calling for Americans to express concerns to elected officials regarding the violent crackdown by Egyptian authorities against peaceful protestors. Egypt was wracked by demonstrations on Tuesday’s “Day of Rage,” called for by the April 6 committee of youth activists on social media last week. The protesters were hoping to benefit from the momentum for reform in the region created by the Tunisian revolution, which forced the Ben Ali regime from power nearly two weeks ago.

January 29, 2011

Police arrested a Californian man earlier this week on suspicion of attempting a terrorist act at one of America's largest mosques, the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn, MI. Roger Stockham, 63, was found Monday in the parking lot of the Islamic Center of America, with explosive materials in his car, after police were tipped off to his behavior by a fellow employee. He was arraigned Wednesday on one count of a false report or threat of terrorism, a felony carrying a 20-year sentence, and one count of possession of bombs with unlawful intent, a felony carrying a 15-year sentence, for possession of Class C fireworks. They found the suspect inside his car outside the Islamic Center with M-80s -- large firecrackers -- and other explosives in his trunk, according to CAIR. At the time, about hundreds of worshipers were gathered inside the mosque for a funeral.

February 17, 2011

The Islamic Information Center is strongly concerned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Bahrain.  Inspired by the peaceful revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, protestors have taken to the streets of Bahrain to request a constitutional democracy. In response, the government of Bahrain has viciously attacked its own people in order to maintain its grip on power. Hundreds of riot police surrounded the nation’s symbolic center, Pearl Square, in the early morning Thursday, raining tear gas and percussion grenades on thousands of demonstrators who had poured into the square all day Wednesday to challenge the country’s absolute monarchy.