ICNA Condemns Horrific Shootings in Atlanta and Boulder

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—

NEW YORK, NY (Mar, 24, 2021) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) condemns in the strongest terms the horrific shootings and killings of 18 innocent people within a period of one week in Atlanta, Georgia and Boulder, Colorado, including Officer Eric Talley.

ICNA offers its sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims in these shootings and prays for the quick recovery of those who were injured.

We stand in solidarity with the AAPI community which has been a consistent target of racism, time and time again. We also stand in support of all Americans who suffer from the onslaught of racial discrimination and persecution. We pray for peace and understanding and that true justice prevails.

These acts of violence prove to us the level of hatred and racism that linger in our society today. To this, we say violence against anyone is violence against all; God mentions in the Holy Quran:“If anyone slays a human being-unless it be [in punishment] for murder or for spreading corruption on earth-it shall be as though he had slain all mankind; whereas, if anyone saves a life, it shall be as though he had saved the lives of all mankind.” Chapter 5 – Ayah 32.

We are alarmed at the rise of cases of domestic terrorism and gun violence in our country. There should be no place in our society for indiscriminate violence. ICNA urges law makers to address the rising tide of senseless gun violence with common-sense gun laws and to punish the individuals who committed these crimes with the penalty they deserve for these heinous crimes.

“Our prayers and sympathies are with the victims of these disgraceful attacks” said Mohsin Ansari, MD, President, ICNA.