(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 2/20/2026) – The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) today expressed its support for the Hatfield police chief after his Facebook post wishing the Muslim community a happy Ramadan received anti-Muslim backlash.
On Wednesday, which marked the beginning of Ramadan, Chief William Tierney wrote on the police department’s Facebook page: “The Hatfield Police Department extends warm wishes to all members of our community who observe this sacred time.” The post received some backlash, with some commenters questioning why the chief, who is Catholic, didn’t have another post about Ash Wednesday and others expressing anger at acknowledging the Muslim community.
“We thank Chief Tierney for his heartfelt and kind post wishing Muslims a happy Ramadan and we stand in solidarity with him against the backlash of anti-Muslim bigots,” said CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu.
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.
END
CONTACT: Ahmet Tekelioglu, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director; 617-401-5397; atekelioglu@cair.com
