February 24, 2011

Today, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) expressed its relief that law enforcement officials disrupted an attempt to attack several targets including the home of former President George W. Bush. We stand with all Americans in defending our nation and continue to call for vigilance against any criminal activity.

SEE: “Saudi man charged with plotting terrorist attack” (The Washington Post)

“We are outraged by the heinous plan to harm our fellow citizens,” said MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati. “We continue to support our law enforcement agencies and call for increasing partnerships between law enforcement and local communities to keep our nation safe.”

Early reports show that Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, a 20-year-old Texas student from Saudi Arabia, acted alone, and it is a clear reminder that the act of one does not speak for the entire Muslim American community.

Now more than ever, it is clear that ideologies of extremism which fuel acts of terrorism are not only morally bankrupt, but impotent as tools for creating change. One must look no further than the Middle East and North Africa for powerful evidence that peaceful activism is an effective tool in being able to overcome insurmountable challenges.

As always, MPAC urges communities to contact law enforcement with knowledge of any criminal activity. Aldawsari is innocent until proven guilty and will have his day in court. MPAC will continue to engage policy makers and elected officials to fully ensure laws and policies can continue to bring terrorists to justice while upholding civil rights and liberties for all Americans.