—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
 
NEW YORK, NY (Nov. 5, 2017) – Today all of our hearts at the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) are with the Sutherland Springs community in Texas, as they mourn the horrific killing of 26 worshipers at the First Baptist Church.

As once again a place of peace became a scene of terror and death, our prayers are with the victims of this evil act, their loved ones, and the entire community.
However, thoughts and prayers are not enough. “Our leaders must find the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and act to save lives.” Said Javaid Siddiqi, President of ICNA.
“As my colleagues go to sleep tonight, they need to think about whether the political support of the gun industry is worth the blood that flows endlessly onto the floors of American churches, elementary schools, movie theaters, and city streets.” said U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT)
We pray that our lawmakers find the fortitude to come together and face our nation’s rising gun violence problem that is unique to no race, religion or place.