Bomb alarm at US mosque during Friday prayers

The Washington DC Metropolitan Police Authority, in a statement to the AA correspondent, indicated that after the bomb threat, they went to the mosque as quickly as possible and the congregation was immediately evacuated, just in case.

The official stated that after the investigations carried out by the special bomb disposal team with the bomb-sniffing dogs, it was understood that the report lacked foundation.

The imam of the mosque, Yusuf Selim, also stated that the police arrived during the sermon and received a bomb threat, saying he wanted help to evacuate the mosque for the safety of the community.

“I HAVE CRIME”

Explaining that Mohamed Abdulmalik, the mosque’s head of security, asked the congregation to evacuate the building immediately, Selim noted that police dogs did not enter the prayer area.

Selim said bomb disposal experts concentrated on the area where the report was made, and when the report was understood to be unsubstantiated, the congregation re-entered the mosque and performed Friday prayers.

Noting that such threats are always present, but for the religious freedom of the congregation, the authorities must take this matter seriously, Selim said: “We come to this mosque every day, seven days a week. Necessary safety precautions must be taken and training must be provided. Therefore, people continue to come here and pray safely.” saying.

Abdulmalik, the mosque’s head of security, said that although the report turned out to be unfounded, police registered the incident as a “hate crime.” Abdulmalik stressed the need to be cautious. (AA)