FBI investigating bomb threat against CAIR-Minnesota

A local branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) received an online bomb threat this week which the FBI is investigating.

Though the organisation generally does not publicise the numerous threats against it, this one was specific about the day and method of attack.

The suspect, whom they believe used a fake name on the platform, threatened a fire bomb that would take place on Saturday. It was allegedly in response to a press release the organisation issued on an attack in St. Cloud. 

The message demanded that CAIR-Minnesota retract its statement from earlier this month welcoming charges against a woman who allegedly assaulted a Somali man.

"Retract this statement, and acknowledge that the work you do is absurd, or you and your offices will be firebombed next Saturday," the message read. 

CAIR immediately engaged in safety protocols, including working less at the office.

"At this point, we have to operate as if this could more than likely happen," CAIR-Minnesota director Jaylani Hussein told The New Arab.

This threat comes at a time when Minnesota is seeing an unprecedented level of attacks against Muslims.