Leaders call for more mosque security ahead of Midterms

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Since 2016, FBI data shows anti-Muslim hate crimes in the state have risen during midterm and presidential election years. The FBI says there have been 12 anti-Islamic hate crime incidents in the state so far this year. Muslim leaders are taking measures to keep their communities safe — and turn out the vote.

Imam Abudalhi Farah saw his mosque become a crime scene nine years ago. Now, as Election Day nears and political rhetoric targeting Somali Minnesotans ramps up, he and other Muslim leaders are increasing security again.

“We wish we were in a space where we didn't have to do that, but the current climate that's being created, there are some of the things we have to do. We have to talk to young people about being safe and so forth,” Farah said.

Since 2016, FBI data shows anti-Muslim hate crimes in the state have risen during midterm and presidential election years. That’s true of all hate ...