(PHILADELPHIA, P.A. 7/6/2026) — The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) today offered a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in an apparent arson attempt targeting Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center and called on local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate the incident and determine whether it was motivated by religious bias or hate.
SEE BELOW: Video Documenting the Attack and its Aftermath
The attempted attack reportedly took place in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 5.
“Our mosque is more than a place of worship. It is a welcoming community center that has served families, neighbors, and people of all backgrounds for many years,” said Masukul Islam Khan, President of Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center. “Any act of violence or hatred directed at a house of worship is an attack on the values of safety, religious freedom, and unity that our city cherishes.”
CAIR-Philadelphia urged investigators to pursue every available lead and ensure that the motive behind the incident is fully examined.
“An attack on any house of worship is an attack on the constitutional promise of religious freedom that belongs to every American. It’s additionally saddening that this attack came just as the nation commemorated the 250th year of its founding,” said Ahmet Tekelioglu, Executive Director of CAIR-Philadelphia. “We urge law enforcement to conduct a comprehensive investigation into this apparent arson attempt, including the possibility that it was motivated by anti-Muslim bias. Every community deserves to gather in prayer without fear of intimidation or violence. We stand in full solidarity with the leadership and congregants of Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center and remain committed to supporting them as they recover from this disturbing incident.”
CAIR-Philadelphia also encouraged elected officials, faith leaders, and community organizations to stand with the mosque and reaffirm that acts of intimidation against houses of worship have no place in Philadelphia.
The mosque has an ongoing GoFund Me page where donations can be made.
CAIR offers a “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet, which offers advice on how to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to houses of worship of all faiths.
Anyone with information is urged to contact local law enforcement authorities or reach out to CAIR-Pennsylvania.
Washington, D.C. based CAIR’s latest civil rights report documented 8,683 anti-Muslim bias complaints in 2025 – the highest number ever recorded by the organization since it began publishing civil rights reports in 1996.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu, PhD., atekelioglu@cair.com, (617)-401-5397; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com.
