Civil rights group also expresses concern over reported harassment of Muslim women in an Edmonds park
(SEATTLE, WA, 6/12/2025) – The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Washington state attorney general and the FBI to investigate a written threat targeting the Islamic Center of Bothell as a hate crime.
[NOTE: CAIR-WA also expressed concern over the reported racist and Islamophobic harassment at an Edmonds, Washington, park.]
At 9:21 pm on Sunday, June 8, the Islamic Center of Bothell received an anonymous website contact form submission titled “Blow up the mosque” with detailed and specific threats enclosed, as well as hateful Islamophobic language. Local law enforcement officials and the FBI are taking action.
“The explicitly violent threats reportedly sent to the Islamic Center of Bothell are extremely troubling,” said Imraan Siddiqi, CAIR-WA Executive Director. “We can never forget the attacks that took place in mosques such as Christchurch, Quebec City, or the horrific Oak Creek, Wisconsin, attack on a Sikh temple. We call on law enforcement to take these threats seriously and investigate them as a hate crime.”
A representative from the Islamic Center of Bothell said, in a statement:
“Following the extreme and targeted threat against our Islamic center, we stand united as a Muslim community, grounded in faith and trust in Allah (SWT). We hold our families and community members close in our hearts and prayers. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Bothell Police Department, CAIR-WA, and federal authorities for their swift response, which has brought reassurance to our congregation.
“Hate has no place in our diverse and welcoming community. We remain committed to the values of peace, compassion, and understanding that define both our faith and our broader Bothell community. We ask Allah (SWT) for continued protection and strength, and we pray that our unity, resilience, and commitment to peace will carry us through these trying times.”
“I’m grateful that this turned out to be an empty threat,” said Rami Al-Kabra, Deputy Mayor and City Councilmember of Bothell. “Nevertheless, it did raise the Bothell Muslim community’s anxiety. I’d like to thank Bothell police for acting swiftly. I call on people of conscience to act with kindness and compassion towards each other.”
On heels of a renewed Muslim and African Ban, and amid rising anti-Muslim discrimination, this incident is a clear example of how inflammatory rhetoric and discriminatory policies lead to tangible threats and violence.
This is not the only incident of anti-Muslim sentiment since the ban was announced last week. On Tuesday, June 10, Edmonds police responded to an incident at City Park, where a man reportedly made racist and Islamophobic remarks to two Muslim women. Additionally, CAIR-WA has received reports of a high school student receiving death threats from a classmate, which has been referred to the school district.
SEE: Edmonds Police investigate anti-Muslim bias at City Park
CAIR-WA urges the FBI and the Washington State Attorney General to act swiftly to protect the Washington’s Muslim community and ensure that the perpetrator faces the full consequences of their actions.
CAIR-WA is urging community and mosque leaders to use advice offered in its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to houses of worship of all faiths.
Earlier this month, CAIR’s national office welcomed investigations by the FBI and local police into a reported incident of pro-genocide vandalism targeting a mosque in Utah.
Last Month, the Austin chapter of CAIR (CAIR-Austin), along with representatives of three mosques vandalized with Stars of David, held a news conference condemning the hateful actions against the houses of worship and inviting public for a community gathering of solidarity and mutual respect.
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” which reveals that Islamophobia continues to be at an all-time high across the country. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.