Officials condemn ‘anti-Islamic incident’ outside of Kensington masjid
The video shows a man wearing a hood, shouting offensive terms about Muslims into a speakerphone, including mocking the building's separate entrances for women and children.
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City and statewide officials are condemning what they are calling an “anti-Islamic incident” that took place outside of a masjid in Kensington earlier this week.
The video shows a man wearing a hood, shouting offensive terms about Muslims into a speakerphone, including mocking the building's separate entrances for women and children.
Gov. Kathy Hochul called the incident an "offensive display, and it will not be tolerated in New York. No one should live in fear because of how they worship, and we will continue to root out Islamophobic hate in every corner of our state."
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso weighed in, calling the incident a "clear and antagonistic act against our Muslim neighbors," and identified the man as a member of far-right BETAR USA.
As of Friday, BETAR USA is listed as a hate group, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
In a statement, Council Member Shahanah Hanif called the center a safe haven for the community and says she will be working with the center to file a police report against those involved.
One member of the Masjid told News 12 that members are on edge and says that hate should have no place in the community.
"There is no reason to bring something thousands of miles away here, do not come to this community where we have Muslims Jews and Christians all living together, this is no place to try and muscle people or be a tough guy," said member Maruf Alam. "This is just a sad day, a sad week."
Alam says he would like to see more police presence at the masjid following the incident and says he hopes those behind the rant face charges.
As of 6 p.m. Friday night, police say no report has been filed but officers have been in touch with the center and are offering them available resources.
