Redmond mosque receives direct threat after Orlando massacre

While Seattle leaders were condemning hateful rhetoric toward Muslims following the deadly attack on an Orlando nightclub, Redmond police were already dealing with religious-related threat reports.

KIRO 7’s Natasha Chen reports that an anonymous caller threatened the Muslim Association of Puget Sound mosque Sunday night. The Redmond Police Department responded to the threats, which followed the shooting that left 49 people dead — not including the gunman — and dozens injured.

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There were about 350 people praying inside the mosque when the threats were called in around 6:30 p.m., according to Chen. The caller specifically mentioned an activity to be held at the mosque that night, KIRO 7 reports.

“We are coordinating closely with MAPs (Muslim Association of Puget Sound) staff, who also increased security and notified their congregation of the anonymous threat,” Redmond Police said.

Redmond Mayor John Marchione visited the Mosque Monday morning.

“We cannot let the terrorists win by dividing us.” Mosque in Redmond was threatened last n… https://t.co/0CY1VjRklA pic.twitter.com/WKp7JxeD65

— Natasha Chen (@NatashaKIRO7) June 13, 2016

Seattle council member Tim Burgess said that while the attack on the Orlando nightclub was “clearly an act of terrorism,” it’s important not to overreact and target people of Muslim faith.

Council member Lorena Gonzalez had a similar sentiment following the community vigil held at Cal Anderson Park.

“I want to make sure our Muslim brothers and sisters here from us that we stand with them …” she said. Gonzalez added that she does not want Muslims to experience the same hateful rhetoric they did after the Sept. 11 attacks.

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