In a press release statement, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA urges calm after a deadly shooting in Garland, Texas at the site of an anti-Islam rally. Early reports indicate two suspects opened fire at the hate rally and both were killed by security. News reports also indicate a security officer was injured during the attack with non-life threatening injuries. We offer our condolences to the injured officer and pray for his speedy recovery.
“Violence is never an acceptable response to hate speech, no matter how inflammatory and uncivilized that speech is,” said Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah, National Vice President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, “While we do not yet know what motivated these shooters, we urge calm and defer to local, state, and federal authorities to peaceably and justly resolve this.”
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA recognizes the legal right to free speech. The Community additionally implores all individuals to elevate their personal morality in speech, and to maintain civility and justice in all affairs.
About Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans 206 countries with membership exceeding 160 million. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is among the oldest American-Muslim organizations.