Anti-Muslim attacks on US mosques rise 51%: CAIR

The number of attacks and acts of vandalism targeting mosques and Islamic centres in the United States has risen by 51%, according to a report released by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

The report said incidents recorded during May, June and July 2026 were 183% higher than those reported during the same three-month period in 2025. CAIR’s figures include vandalism, arson, intimidation, violence targeting mosques and efforts to block mosque construction.

In a statement, CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor said Islamophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric have become increasingly accepted in parts of US society in recent years. He noted that while places of worship belonging to other religious communities are also targeted, such incidents occur less frequently.

Saylor urged community leaders to take a more active role in addressing Islamophobia and preventing the spread of hatred.

CAIR said it routinely monitors anti-Muslim incidents for three months following major hate crimes to assess whether tensions escalate.

The report cited a May 18 attack on an Islamic centre in San Diego by a group of white supremacists, during which Amin Abdullah, Mansur Qaziha and Nadir Awad were killed while trying to protect children.

A CAIR official told AFP that the organisation recorded 33 anti-Muslim hate incidents throughout 2025. In comparison, 17 such incidents were documented during the three-month period from May to July this year.