Congresswoman Waters Appalled By Vandalism at Two Mosques in Hawthorne

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, released the following statement after the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Baitus-Salaam Mosque and the Islamic Center of Hawthorne were vandalized in Hawthorne, California.

Congresswoman Waters' statement follows:

"I am saddened, shocked and appalled that two Hawthorne mosques, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community-Baitus-Salaam Mosque and the Islamic Center of Hawthorne, were vandalized on Sunday. These mosques are sacred places where families go to worship and to pay reverence to their religious ideals and beliefs. It is sacred ground that should never face such damage and disrespect.

"In light of the recent events, many in the Muslim community are concerned that they are being targeted and persecuted for their religious beliefs. There is also no proof that members of the mosques in Hawthorne have been radicalized or have engaged in any terroristic behavior. These types of fears and trepidations should not exist in America. Our country was founded on principles that allow Americans to be able to worship freely and without threat of danger. The Constitution gives every American the right to religious freedom, a freedom etched in the fabric of our country's ideals and values.

"These egregious acts of divisiveness at the mosques in Hawthorne have no place in our society. It goes against who we are as a country. No religious group or culture should face harassment or be made to fear their beliefs are forbidden. Making Muslims – or any other religious group – feel threatened, intimidated or unwelcome in local communities conflicts with our Founders' vision of religious liberty and tolerance."