Attacks target American Muslim sites during Eid celebrations

Muslim sites at various places in the U.S. witnessed attacks as community members marked the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday to mark the end of Ramadan.

In Philadelphia, gunfire erupted, injuring three individuals at a gathering of around 1,000 people celebrating Eid.

Police said 30 shots were fired and four guns were recovered from the scene.

They took five suspects into custody.

Pennsylvania’s District Six Representative Chrissy Houlahan expressed heartbreak over the incident, emphasizing ongoing monitoring and support for responders.

In New Jersey, Rutgers University’s Center for Islamic Life faced vandalism, with extensive damage to artwork and destruction of a Palestinian flag during Eid celebrations.

Concerns have arisen over rising Islamophobia and security lapses, prompting calls for action from the Muslim community and condemnation from Governor Phil Murphy.

President of the Muslim Public Relations Council Nora Asker says the Rutgers administration’s failure to take action against such acts has led to further hateful incidents against Muslims and Palestinians students on campus.

In San Francisco, Masjid Al-Tawheed suffered vandalism and harassment with an individual smashing windows and threatening congregants on the last day of Ramadan on Tuesday. 

Despite police notification and search efforts, the suspect remains at large.

Hala Hijazi, a member of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, said the individual went inside the mosque, smoked a cigarette, got into an altercation and threatened congregants.