The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins this weekend and a County Council member is asking for more police patrols at mosques following attacks on houses of worship.
“After hearing directly from local Islamic leaders, I urge the Montgomery County Police Department to substantially increase security of our area mosques during this holy month,” At-large council member Will Jawando wrote in a letter to Acting Police Chief Russell Hamill.
“I am confident that you share my belief that our Muslim neighbors have the right to safely worship in our community and will work closely with our local Muslim leadership to that end,” Jawando’s letter continued.
County police said they increased patrols outside places of worship in March following shootings at two New Zealand mosques resulting in 50 deaths. One person was killed and three others injured on Saturday when a man opened fire at a California synagogue.
In a statement issued Tuesday, county police said they do not disclose security plans.
“In keeping with the department’s long established commitment to protect and enhance public safety, we continue to work closely with our faith partners across many denominations to help provide for secure, safe and vibrant communities for worship,” the department said.
In March, Montgomery County announced it was awarding $200,000 in grants to help houses of worship increase security. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, a Rockville-based nonprofit that provides funds to many of the county’s Jewish institutions such as day schools, synagogues and community service programs, was to get $100,000 and four Muslim organizations are receiving a combined $80,000.
Ramadan starts Sunday and continues through June 4. Muslims fast throughout the day and gather at sundown for meals and prayer during the holiday. During the month, there are expected to be more activities at county mosques, especially the morning of June 5 with the closing Eid al-Fitr celebration, Jawando wrote.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, recommended increased security in Muslim communities around the country on Monday.
The organization cited recent anti-Muslim incidents in this country and overseas along with the special activities at many mosques during Ramadan as cause for concern among Muslims.
CAIR is also encouraging mosque leaders to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency grants available for houses of worship, Director of Maryland Outreach Zainab Chaudry said.
“Our hope is that this can help strengthen houses of worship and step up security, and just help community members feel more at ease,” Chaudry said.
The county’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security offers Securing Houses of Worship preparedness training.
Charlie Wright can be reached at charlie.wright@moco360.media
