Minnesota Muslim Community Concerned Over Mosque Break-Ins and Rising Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

Minnesota Muslim Community Concerned Over Mosque Break-Ins and Rising Anti-Muslim Rhetoric
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Minnesota’s Muslim community has expressed growing concern following a recent break-in at Masjid Uthman Islamic Center in north Minneapolis and a series of other incidents targeting Islamic centers across the state, as reported by IQNA.

According to the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), two masked individuals entered the mosque on Lyndale Avenue North Sunday night, with a third person reportedly waiting in a vehicle. Surveillance footage shows the suspects leaving shortly afterward. CAIR reported no items were stolen or damaged, though the intruders entered the prayer area with shoes on, a gesture the group described as disrespectful. Minneapolis police confirmed no arrests have been made in connection with this incident.

CAIR linked the event to more than 40 similar acts over the past three years, including vandalism, fires, and disturbances at mosques in Minneapolis and Bloomington, resulting in over $3 million in damages. Jaylani Hussein, CAIR’s Minnesota executive director, noted a surge in online Islamophobic rhetoric following public remarks targeting Somali refugees in the state.

CAIR officials are coordinating with mosque leaders and law enforcement to enhance safety measures, provide support for congregants, and ensure emergency responders are prepared. While two suspects have been arrested in previous cases, authorities said some incidents may relate to mental health or substance issues rather than hate crimes.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has returned the investigation into a recent Alhikma mosque break-in to police for further review.