The articles related to this event are from the local newspaper of my community, both involve a Mosque in a neighboring city only five minutes away. The articles explain that the Islamic Center has been a center of debate within the city due to a member of the mosque committing the Pulse shooting in Orlando a few months ago. After the tragedy members of the Mosque have been assaulted both physically and verbal and most recently a member of a nearby biker chapel has set fire to the place of worship. These escalating occurrences are being evaluated by the Sherriff to observe if these were, in fact, hate crimes and how this comments on the local community.
The articles explain that a member of the Mosque had worshiped at the location the night prior to the Pulse shooting. This causes members of the community to question his motives, whether this was directly instigated to his religion or a hate crime. The man was married with children, and had been noted as being unstable and has allegedly made claims of the plotting of other possible terror attacks. This was never reported to authorities. His family has made statements and had apologized for his actions to the best of their ability –and insist this unforgivable action was purely an excruciating action done by a confused and hateful young man.
Since the tragedy in Orlando, the Islamic Center has been under scrutiny within its community. Members of the community have been actively protesting the mosque’s presence, by gathering during services with signs and chants. There was also a documented report of an assault of a man wearing ceremonial garb. It had been reported by the place of worship that the building has often been circled by bikers yelling obscenities. Just a week ago, arson had been committed and the man who started the fire has been identified as a member of a neighboring biker chapel.
Throughout these events, the Sheriff had refused to offer security, due to lack of staff and resources. There has also been an investigation to discern if these acts are in fact hate crimes and present a danger to the Muslim community. There has not yet been an official statement about this. However, members of Ft. Pierce and neighboring cities have gathered to support the mosque speaking out against the actions that had been committed and offering support to the religious leader—who is also a local doctor. There has also been a candle light vigil to show unity and support for the Islamic community.
http://archive.tcpalm.com/news/special/orlando-shooting/
http://search.tcpalm.com/jmg.aspx?k=pulse+mosque