Washington, DC | September 29, 2008 | www.adc.org | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is deeply disturbed by media accounts of a chemical irritant being sprayed into a Dayton, Ohio mosque. According to reports, as approximately 300 men, women, and children were performing evening prayers at the Islamic Society of Greater Dayton a suspected chemical irritant was sprayed into the mosque. See the news story at:
http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/09/27/ddn092608evacweb.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=16
Dayton fire officials believe that a hand-held spray can was used to carry out this attack. Two people were taken to the hospital and many people were treated at the scene. Police are currently investigating this troubling incident. ADC has contacted FBI headquarters to request a federal inquiry into what may constitute an alleged hate crime.
ADC Communications Director Laila Al-Qatami said, “This attack is deeply distressing any way you look at it. It‘s even more disturbing as it took place during the Holy Month of Ramadan when many Muslims go the Mosque for evening prayers and to break the fasts they carry out from sunrise to sunset. ADC thanks the Police for their quick response and we call for a thorough investigation into this alleged hate crime.”