CAIR calls for investigation into possible bias motive in Providence mosque shooting

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations called for a probe into the “possible bias motive” in a shooting outside a mosque in Providence.

The shooting occurred outside the Islamic Center of Rhode Island Friday morning. The victim, a 50-year-old man, was shot while setting up Islamic goods for sale, and was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

“Because we have witnessed an unprecedented spike in anti-Muslim incidents nationwide in recent weeks, we urge local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this attack,” CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper said.

CAIR added that, according to data it has released, it has seen a 216% surge in complaints reporting anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate since the Hamas attack in Israel on Oct. 7.

Providence police said they are not yet ready to say if the victim’s religion played any role in the shooting.

“I have no factual evidence of that right now,” Police Chief Oscar Perez said. “All we know is someone came up and shot him specifically.”