The local mosque, Masjid Bilal, in terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s Houston community has issued a statement urging its members to avoid speaking with the media and to refer any potential FBI inquiries to the controversial Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The mosque emphasized staying united and condemning the heinous attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans that left 14 people dead. They emphasized not responding to the media and only referring to CAIR and the Islamic Society of Greater Houston if approached by the FBI.
The White House cut ties with CAIR the previous year after one of its co-founders expressed happiness about Hamas attacking Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis. In November, CAIR was ordered by a judge to reveal its funding sources and open its books after a defamation lawsuit filed by the organization backfired. The organization had accused a former chapter leader of carrying out a defamation campaign against them, implying that they were funded by foreign governments and terrorist organizations.
Jabbar, who reportedly converted to Islam at an early age, was said to have lived within walking distance of Masjid Bilal, although it is unclear if he ever attended the mosque. His ideology came under scrutiny after he flew an ISIS flag on the Ford pickup truck used in the New Year’s Day rampage in New Orleans. Leading up to the attack, Jabbar posted videos online of himself pledging allegiance to the Islamic terror group, sparking further examination of his beliefs and motivations behind the attack.
The statement by Masjid Bilal stressed the importance of remaining united in condemning the terrible acts committed by Jabbar. It urged its members to avoid speaking with the media and to refer any FBI inquiries to CAIR and the Islamic Society of Greater Houston. The mosque aimed to maintain solidarity within the community amidst the aftermath of the tragic attack in New Orleans and navigate the potential repercussions of the event.
The controversy surrounding CAIR continued as the organization faced legal challenges and scrutiny over its funding sources and relationship with terrorist organizations. The White House’s decision to sever ties with CAIR highlighted the organization’s problematic ties and statements made by its members. The defamation lawsuit filed by CAIR against a former chapter leader backfired, leading to a court order for the organization to reveal their funding sources and financial records.
Jabbar’s allegiance to ISIS, as demonstrated by flying their flag and posting videos online, raised concerns about his beliefs and motivations behind the attack in New Orleans. The mosque emphasized unity within the community and condemned the heinous act, while also advising members on how to navigate potential interactions with the media and law enforcement. The investigation into Jabbar’s background and connections to Masjid Bilal and the broader Islamic community shed light on the complexities of addressing extremism and terrorism within religious institutions.
