CAIR Calls for Increased Mosque Security Following Nashville Plot Uncovering

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, has issued a nationwide advisory urging mosques and Islamic institutions to bolster their security measures. This call to action comes in response to the arrest of 18-year-old Gunner Joseph Fisher in Tennessee, who allegedly planned a mass shooting at a mosque in Nashville. Fisher’s plot, which was reportedly inspired by the 2019 white supremacist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, was thwarted by law enforcement before it could be carried out.

CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell praised the swift actions of law enforcement in preventing a potential tragedy. “We are grateful to the authorities for their vigilance in stopping this attack,” Mitchell stated. “However, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of anti-Muslim violence and the urgent need for our communities to remain proactive in ensuring their safety.”

In light of the rising number of anti-Muslim hate incidents across the country, CAIR is urging mosques and Islamic centers to adopt comprehensive security measures. These include:

• Installing and maintaining security cameras to monitor premises.
• Conducting regular emergency evacuation drills to prepare for potential threats.
• Hiring armed security personnel, particularly during large gatherings or major events.
• Establishing strong partnerships with local law enforcement to enhance community safety.

To assist Islamic institutions in strengthening their security protocols, CAIR has made its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet available to community leaders. This resource provides detailed guidance on risk assessment, threat prevention, and crisis response.

The advisory comes amid a troubling surge in anti-Muslim bias incidents. According to CAIR’s latest data, the organization documented 4,951 bias complaints from January to June 2024 alone—a staggering 69% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and preparedness within the Muslim community.

CAIR continues to advocate for greater federal and state support to protect houses of worship and combat hate crimes. Mitchell emphasized, “No one should fear for their safety while practicing their faith. We must work together to ensure that our communities remain safe and secure.”

For further information or to access CAIR’s safety resources, community leaders are encouraged to visit the organization’s website or contact their local CAIR chapter.