(Washington, D.C., 7/8/2016) – The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), the largest coalition of leading national and local Muslim organizations, is outraged over the police shootings and subsequent deaths of two African Americans as well as the slaying of five Police Officers in the line of duty this past week.
On Tuesday night, police shot and killed 37-year-old Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The incidents leading up to and the aftermath of the shooting were videotaped by a deli clerk and a community activist. On Wednesday, an officer shot and killed 32-year-old Philando Castile during a routine traffic stop in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Castile was in the car with his girlfriend and her child at the time of the shooting, the aftermath of which was live-streamed on Facebook. Both incidents and the circumstances surrounding them stirred immediate public outcry. Following a peaceful protest on Thursday evening in Dallas, Tx, five Police Officers were killed and a number more injured by snipers, prompting further public outrage and concern over the developing situation.
In a statement, USCMO Secretary General Oussama Jammal said: “There is so much wrong with this picture. No man, woman or child of color should have to worry that their next outing might be their last. We ask for justice for Alton Sterling, for Philandro Castile, and the African American men and women who have fallen victim to police brutality in the very recent past. Furthermore we are equally troubled at the violence perpetrated against law enforcement officers who dedicated their lives to protecting the public. Violence is never the answer to social injustice.”
The USCMO urges the interfaith community to join hands, amplify voices of reason and wisdom, stand in solidarity, and promote peace and harmony in our society. USCMO sends its heartfelt condolences to the families of all victims, and calls on local and federal government agencies to investigate these incidents, and to work diligently on preventing further deadly incidents in the future.
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