Mosque receives interfaith support and adds security after October incident

A Fort Wayne mosque has received support from local faith leaders and strengthened its security after a severed pig's head was found at its entrance on October 12, WPTA reported on November 3.

Fourteen faith leaders signed a letter condemning the incident at the Universal Education Foundation Masjid. The letter, published by The Journal Gazette on November 2, said places of worship must be protected and that an act of hatred against one faith community concerns every faith community.

Midhat Omerovic, the foundation's president, told WPTA that eight more cameras had been installed, covering 99% of the property. He said attendance had not fallen and described a higher turnout at Friday prayers despite the incident.

The Rev. Anne Epling of First Presbyterian Church told the station that people of faith should come together to denounce the act. The mosque was expanding its premises when the incident occurred, according to WPTA.

WPTA reported that Fort Wayne police and the FBI were investigating.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations welcomed the interfaith support on November 4 and said it also welcomed the FBI investigation. CAIR praised people of different faiths for standing together against Islamophobia and hatred, and urged community leaders to use its mosque and community safety guide.