(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 2/24/2026) – The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for a hate crime investigation and announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the shooting at the Pike County Islamic Center in Matamoras, Pennsylvania, which took place on the 5th day of the holy month of Ramadan.
SEE: Police: Shots fired into Pike County Islamic Center
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$5,000 Reward Offered
[NOTE: On behalf of CAIR-Philadelphia, a $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact local law enforcement authorities or reach out to CAIR-Pennsylvania.]
Early Sunday morning, about two hours after the completion of special Ramadan taraweeh prayers, shots were reportedly fired into the mosque building. Mosque leaders say four bullets hitting the building. No injuries were reported. Local law enforcement and the Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incident.
CAIR-Pennsylvania strongly condemned the shooting and called for a full and transparent investigation, including a determination of whether the incident was bias-motivated.
“This act of violence targeting a house of worship is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” said Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR-Philadelphia. “Mosques, like all houses of worship, are sacred spaces meant for peace, prayer, and community. We urge local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and determine whether this attack was motivated by hate. We are grateful for the swift outreach and responsiveness of local and state police, and we stand ready to assist in any way necessary.”
He noted that 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.
Mohammed Alhomsi, a spokesperson for the Pike County Islamic Center, said: “Our congregation is shaken but steadfast. We appreciate the professionalism and outreach shown by our elected leaders as well as local and state law enforcement during this difficult time. We call on anyone with information about this incident to come forward. Our community deserves safety, transparency, and justice.”
Pattern of Anti-Mosque Incidents in Pennsylvania:
According to data compiled by CAIR and civil rights advocates, Pennsylvania has experienced more than a dozen anti-mosque incidents over the past decade, including vandalism, threats, and attempted arson targeting Islamic centers in communities such as Philadelphia, Phoenixville, Upper Darby, and Norristown. Nationally, CAIR has documented a continued rise in anti-Muslim bias incidents in recent years, reflecting broader trends in hate-motivated activity.
CAIR-Philadelphia emphasizes that attacks on any house of worship threaten the safety and cohesion of the entire community and must be addressed swiftly and decisively.
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.
