Shock and fear within the American Muslim community after the attack in New Orleans

The tragic Wednesday in New Orleans, marked by a terrorist attack which claimed the lives of 15 people and injured dozens of others, plunged the American Muslim community into emotion and concern. Among the victims was Kareem Badawi, a Muslim American student from Baton Rouge.

Leading Muslim organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Islamic Shura Council of Greater New Orleans, have strongly condemned the violence while expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. This rekindles fears, especially since President-elect Donald Trump appeared to link the attack to immigration in his public statements.

CAIR, the leading Muslim civil rights organization in North America, categorically rejects extremist ideologies such as those promoted by ISIS. They recall that the attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, had a history of worrying behavior, including drink-driving offenses and a history of domestic violence. CAIR emphasizes that such actions are rejected by the majority of the Muslim world.

The Islamic Shura Council of Greater New Orleans shares this position, recognizing the attack as a blow to the local community and offering prayers and condolences to the victims’ families.

The aftermath of this tragic attack in New Orleans also heightens concerns about the potential political and social repercussions for American Muslims. President-elect Trump’s rhetoric, which indirectly links immigration to this act of violence, risks fueling prejudice and increasing divisions within society. In this tense context, Muslim rights organizations fear an increase in Islamophobic acts and insist on the need to promote messages of tolerance and national unity. They also call for community dialogues to strengthen mutual understanding and ease tensions.