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Michigan Muslims feel 'vulnerable' during Ramadan over fears of mosque attacks

Law enforcement managed to apprehend a man who had planned attacks on mosques in Michigan, but many in the community still feel vulnerable over the possibility of similar attacks, particularly during Ramadan.
2 min read
Washington, D.C.
16 April, 2022
Michigan law enforcement acted quickly to apprehend a man who had planned to attack mosques, but the Muslim community still feels vulnerable [Getty]

Members of are exercising vigilance and, in some cases, calling forÌýramped-up security around their places of worship, following a serious security threat by a man who came from out of state to commit acts of violence against Detroit-area mosques.

A 60-year-old man from Minnesota was held in the Van Buren County Jail in western Michigan, as he awaitedÌýcharges for reportedly ramming 11 vehicles in Paw Paw earlier this week, according to reports.

Victims saidÌýthey believeÌýthe man intentionally hit "vehicles driven by persons of colour".

The suspect was caught largely because of his own actions, including his road rage en route to his destinations as well as social media posts detailing his violent intentions, Amy Doukoure, Council on American-Islamic Relations-Michigan staff attorney, told °®Âþµº.

"This was really good police work,"ÌýDoukoure said. "He was really public with his threats, and they were able to track his movements quickly."

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Doukoure believes Michigan has become a target of anti-Muslim violence due to a high level of media attention this year, including news of and an all-Muslim council - in addition to the presence of Congresswoman .

"The media has really hyped this area up. There is a large population of Muslims,"Ìýshe said. "People are being very cautious. There have been threats against certain masjids."

During the ongoing holy month of people were exercising extra caution due to the vulnerability posed by large crowds.

"I just think it’s important for people to know that during Ramadan people are coming together at this holy time," she said.

"We want everyone out here to be safe. We’re fasting all day, and it tends to be very festive at night."

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