On May 10, 2010 at 9:35 PM, there was a firebomb attack at the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida (ICNEF) in Jacksonville, Florida.  Media reports state that no one was injured and no significant damage was done.

WJXT reports that the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department stated that “an explosive device caused a small fire” at the back of the building.  The fire was put out with fire extinguishers and caused minimal damage.   WJXT also reported that the FBI had obtained surveillance video of a man who was carrying a gasoline can, and that the video would be released later on May 11, 2010.

Other media reporting on the incident, WJXX, the Orlando Sentinel and AP also reported further stated that it was under investigation as a hate crime.   WJXT reported that Ashraf Shaikh from the Islamic Center stated that the center had been receiving threats.  A video of a WJXT television report on the topic is available at: http://www.news4jax.com/video/23515310/index.html

WOKV reported that in April 2010 a man interrupted a service at the Jacksonville mosque, stating “stop this blaspheming” and said that “I will be back.”  Police have not yet established if there is any connnection.

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) condemns such hate and violence.  We support our unqualified, universal human rights, including our freedom of conscience and the pluralism to allow such freedoms.  We urge all those who promote hate and violence to unburden their hearts from hate and violence.

Choose Love, Not Hate.  Love Wins.