Muslim leaders across the country mourn Orlando shooting; denounce ISIS.
Muslim leaders from all over the United States have denounced the mass shooting that killed 49 people and injured at least 50 others in Orlando, reports Business Insider.
Muslim Leaders Condemn Orlando Shooting.[/tweetthis]
The shooter, Omar Mateen, had pledged allegiance to ISIS during a 911 call the night before the attack. A news organization which is aligned with the terror group claimed responsibility for the massacre.
Nihad Awad, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), had strong words for the terrorist network, calling ISIS “an aberration.”
He went on to say that ISIS does “not speak for [the Muslim community].” He also noted that 1.7 billion Muslims “are united in rejecting their extremism, their interpretation and their acts of senseless violence.”
More locally, the Orlando region coordinator of the Council’s Florida chapter stated that “we condemn this monstrous attack” and offered condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. He also noted that the Muslim community at large joins all Americans in rejecting any group that would either “justify or excuse such an appalling act of violence.”
Rizwan Jaka, executive officer of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society joins in condemning the attack and “rejects any possible motive.” He also explained that the shooting should not be used to “vilify or stereotype peaceful, law abiding Muslims in America,” noting that Islam does not support terrorism or extremism in any way.
Other American Muslim groups took to social media to express their sadness, anger and condemnation of the shooting.
The Islamic Society of North America expressed condolences to the families of the victims via Twitter.
We are saddened by the news of the shooting in Orlando, Florida and express condolences to the families of the victims. #OrlandoShootings
— ISNA HQ (@ISNAHQ) June 12, 2016
The Delaware Council on Global and Muslim Affairs “unequivocally” condemned the “horrible mass shooting” on Facebook.
The Review of Religions also used Twitter to remind the world that the “Holy Qur’an teaches that whosoever kills a person without justifiable cause will be as if he has killed the whole world.”
Islam condemns the killing of any innocent person. #NoToExtremism #Orlando #PrayForPeace pic.twitter.com/f1zrJwu2iK
— Review of Religions (@ReviewReligions) June 12, 2016
#Muslim leaders condemn #Orlando attack and ‘redouble’ security measures in #Dallas area https://t.co/cRKDzMnTaY
— Abdur Rab (@AbdurRAB11) June 12, 2016
The Guardian reports the CIA has determined there is no link between the Orlando killer and ISIS.