Arson Threats Target Metro Detroit Mosques

The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations urged increased security after two Metro Detroit mosques in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights were targeted by out-of-state threats. Dearborn Heights police identified a Texas resident as a person of interest after threatening calls to the Islamic Institute of America, led by Imam Sayed Hassan Al-Qazwini, and say the investigation is ongoing. Separately, Macin Horstemeyer of Lynchburg, Virginia, was arrested and charged after allegedly posting months of online threats referencing violence against Muslims and Black people and saying he would have attacked a Dearborn mosque with an AR-15 if his eyesight were better; Virginia State Police traced some threats to YouTube comments. Local police chiefs and CAIR-MI said they are working with federal partners, treating the threats as credible, and calling for increased protection and public solidarity. Worshippers say they will continue attending services while law enforcement pursues both out-of-state suspects.