Arrest made in Terror Plot Against Shia Mosque in Dearborn, Michigan

Shia Muslim Foundation Condemns Threats to Islamic Institute of America Mosque in Dearborn Heights

(Washington, DC – October 1, 2025) — The Shia Muslim Foundation strongly condemns the recent threats targeting the Islamic Institute of America in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Reports confirm that a caller threatened to “burn down” the mosque and, in one instance, issued a bomb threat. Local authorities have responded, with Dearborn Heights Police and the FBI opening a joint investigation.

After his arrest, when officers asked if he intended to carry out an attack, he said he would’ve done it “if he had better eyesight.” He is also quoted saying he would use an AR-15 and target a mosque in Dearborn.

He also posted online comments referencing “murdering Black citizens and people who practice Islam,” and made connections to Dylann Roof in his rhetoric.

“This is not an isolated incident,” said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation. “Shia mosques across the United States have increasingly faced threats and harassment. The targeting of houses of worship is an assault on religious freedom itself, and it demands urgent attention from every level of government.”

Shia Muslim institutions, including the Islamic Institute of America, have long been focal points for education, community service, and interfaith dialogue. Attempts to intimidate or harm these centers not only endanger worshippers but strike at the heart of American values.

The Foundation emphasizes that these threats are part of a broader pattern of hostility toward Shia Muslims. In recent years, mosques and community centers in Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, and Texas have reported threats, harassment, or violence. This escalation underscores the urgent need for federal, state, and local authorities to treat such cases as high-priority matters of public safety and civil rights.

Shia mosques in the United States have repeatedly been targeted by threats and plots, underscoring a persistent vulnerability. In 2011, a man named Roger Stockham was arrested outside the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn, Michigan, one of the largest Shia mosques in the country. Police found him armed with high-powered fireworks and gasoline, and he had previously made violent threats against the mosque. He was charged with terrorism-related offenses and weapons possession.

In more recent years, authorities have uncovered plots involving explosives and firearms directed at Shia mosques. A 19-year-old from Maine was sentenced to 15 years in prison after federal investigators discovered that he had been building explosives filled with shrapnel and had been planning a mass shooting at a Shia mosque in the Chicago area. Court records showed that he had openly discussed targeting Shia Muslims, and prosecutors emphasized the sectarian motivation behind the plot.

Earlier this year, law enforcement in Illinois confirmed that another Shia mosque had been the focus of a planned attack. The Imams Council released a statement noting that Shia institutions continue to experience elevated threats, and urged greater recognition of this pattern. These incidents echo global attacks against Shia mosques, such as suicide bombings in Afghanistan in 2021 that killed dozens during Friday prayers, claimed by ISIS-K.

Taken together, these cases reveal a clear trend: Shia communities in the United States are not immune to the same sectarian hostility seen worldwide. The repeated threats, from Dearborn to Chicago to Illinois, highlight both the resilience of Shia institutions and the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting houses of worship.

“No community should fear gathering to worship. The American Shia community will not be intimidated into silence, and we will continue to pray, teach, and serve with dignity and resilience,” Husain said.

Shia Muslim Foundation Participates in 3rd Annual UNGA Diplomatic Reception

New York, NY – September 23, 2025 — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) joined global leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives at The Concordia Forum's 3rd Annual Diplomatic Reception during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Executive Director Rahat Husain attended on behalf of SMF.

The event, themed “Freedom to Believe – Faith, Rights & the Challenge of Coexistence,” brought together an extraordinary group of participants. Senior officials from the White House, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and high-ranking diplomats from across the globe were among the notable attendees. The gathering also included Shia activists, philanthropic organizations, and community leaders, highlighting the role of faith-based institutions in addressing the challenges of coexistence, religious freedom, and civic inclusion.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policymaking body of the United Nations, where all 193 member states have equal representation. It meets every September in New York City and provides a global forum for countries to discuss international issues, set priorities, and adopt resolutions on peace, security, development, and human rights. While its decisions are not legally binding, the General Assembly plays a central role in shaping global norms and coordinating international cooperation.

Over the past three years, the Concordia Forum UNGA Diplomatic Reception has emerged as a significant space for dialogue, convening heads of state, ministers, senior diplomats, and influential voices from philanthropy, media, and civil society. This year’s reception continued that tradition, reinforcing the urgency of multilateral collaboration on faith and rights.

Following the reception, Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation, emphasized the importance of Shia participation in these discussions:

“The presence of Shia leaders, activists, and community representatives at this high-level convening reflects the growing recognition of our role in advancing religious freedom and civic engagement. At a time when Shia communities continue to face persecution globally, it is essential that our voices are included in shaping international dialogue on coexistence, rights, and accountability.”

The Shia Muslim Foundation continues its work to protect the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, advocate for global Shia communities, and promote interfaith understanding. Participation in international forums such as the UNGA reception reflects SMF’s mission to strengthen bridges between policymakers, civil society, and faith leaders.

Shia Muslim Foundation Attends DHS Briefing to Address Mosque Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) participated in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Fall Religious Observances Safety and Security Briefing. The event brought together faith leaders and government officials to discuss threats and resources for protecting places of worship. This press reldhse is a call to action. It highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and community vigilance.

The briefing brought together senior DHS officials and experts to share strategies, tools, and resources for securing houses of worship. Presentations were provided by the DHS Office of Intelligence & Analysis (I&A), the National Threat Evaluation and Reporting Program, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the If You See Something, Say Something® campaign.

Key resources highlighted include:

• Office of Intelligence & Analysis - threat assessment tactics and quarterly briefings.

• National Threat Evaluation and Reporting Program, which provides training to recognize and report concerning behaviors.

• CISA Protecting Houses of Worship, offering security guides, vulnerability assessments, and tabletop exercises.

• If You See Something, Say Something campaign, encouraging communities to report suspicious activity.

• Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide and Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities

Additional preparedness tools included de-escalation training resources, the Pathway to Violence fact sheet, and FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. DHS also spotlighted upcoming Protecting Places of Worship National Weeks of Action with sessions on active shooter preparedness, bomb threat assessment, and surveillance detection.

The Urgency of Protecting Shia Mosques

The Shia Muslim Foundation stresses that these federal initiatives arrive at a time of heightened concern. Shia mosques and centers across the United States have faced repeated threats this year, ranging from targeted harassment to violent hoaxes and swatting calls. These incidents highlight the pressing need for effective security planning, information sharing, and federal-community partnership to safeguard Shia worshippers.

The Shia Muslim Foundation urges community leaders to use the resources discussed at the DHS briefing. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers valuable guides. CISA's Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide is a key starting point. Another resource is the Houses of Worship Vulnerability Self-Assessment. These tools help mosques identify risks and implement security improvements. Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities provides a clear framework for action.

Training and preparedness are also important. The DHS briefing highlighted CISA’s Tabletop Exercise Packages. These exercises test security plans in realistic scenarios. The "If You See Something, Say Something®" campaign was also discussed. This national campaign helps communities report suspicious activity. The DHS Prevention Resource Finder offers more tools. These include training on bystander awareness and de-escalation strategies.

The DHS briefing also addressed the issue of swatting and hoax threats. These events are designed to disrupt and terrorize communities. DHS provides specific resources to help faith communities and first responders handle these situations.

Finally, the briefing covered opportunities for security funding. The FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program is an important source of financial support for mosques and other non-profits. A video testimonial shows how the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple used this funding to improve its security. This program helps religious institutions pay for cameras, alert systems, and training.

The Shia Muslim Foundation will continue its civic outreach and advocacy efforts with government agencies. This work helps protect the Shia community and builds alliances with other faith groups. We must remain vigilant. Community safety requires ongoing collaboration between faith leaders, law enforcement, and government partners.

Commitment to Safety

Through active participation in DHS initiatives, SMF continues its mission to strengthen the safety and resilience of Shia institutions. The Foundation will be working with local leaders to share these resources and encourage adoption of best practices for security and emergency preparedness.