The FBI has named Dylann Roof, 21, of Columbia, S.C., as the suspect in the shooting. A Facebook photo of Roof shows him with the Apartheid-era South African flag pinned on his jacket.
“Our hearts are deeply saddened and we stand in solidarity with the African-American community as peoples of all faiths and backgrounds deal with this tragic attacks against men and women inside a historic house of worship,” said Imam Djilali Kacem member of the MCGS and Imam of the Dar-Al-Jalal Islamic Center. “Muslims across Saint Louis offer our sincere condolences to the victims, families and loved ones and open the doors to our houses of worship to the greater African American community.”
“As Americans, we must unite to condemn this heinous act and demand that our elected officials address the growing divisions within our society,” said Faizan Syed Executive Director of CAIR-St. Louis. “We stand with our friends in the African American community and hope that law enforcement authorities do everything in their power to prevent further attacks.”
He said CAIR is offering to send its publication, "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety," to leaders of houses of worship of all faiths.
That booklet, which was published in response to previous attacks on American Muslim institutions, contains safety information applicable to any institution and may be requested through CAIR's website: http://www.cair.com/mosque-safety-guide.html
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-St. Louis Executive Director Faizan Syed, 314-403-3626, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.