A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy group has condemned Thursday's attack on Fort Hood military base in Texas that left at least 13 people dead. The suspect in the shooting is an Army psychiatrist who treated soldiers at Fort Hood for post-traumatic stress disorder.
In a statement, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:
"We condemn this cowardly attack in the strongest terms possible and ask that the perpetrators be punished to the full extent of the law. No religious or political ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence. The attack was particularly heinous in that it targeted the all-volunteer army that protects our nation. American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens in offering both prayers for the victims and sincere condolences to the families of those killed or injured."
In a Thursday evening press conference on Capital Hill, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad reiterated this condemnation and added:
"The motive of the attacker is not yet known. We urge all Americans to remain calm in reaction to this tragic event and to demonstrate once again what is best about America - our nation's ability to remain unified even in times of crisis. We urge national political and religious leaders and media professionals to set a tone of calm and unity.
"Unfortunately, based on past experience, we also urge American Muslims, and those who may be perceived to be Muslim, to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves, their families and their religious institutions from possible backlash."
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