July 9, 2026 — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) strongly condemns the apparent arson attack targeting the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The attack is the latest in a series of threats and acts of violence directed at American mosques and other houses of worship.
According to investigators, a masked individual intentionally set fire to the mosque during the early morning hours of July 5 after throwing an incendiary device at the building. Thanks to the quick action of an observant delivery driver who called 911 and the rapid response of firefighters, the fire was contained before it could engulf the mosque or its adjacent expansion project. No injuries were reported. Federal, state, and local authorities, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are investigating the incident, including the possibility that it was motivated by anti Muslim bias.
"This attack is not simply an attack on one mosque. It is an attack on every American's right to worship freely and safely," said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation. "No family should have to question whether attending prayer could place them in danger. Those responsible must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
The Philadelphia attack follows a disturbing pattern of incidents affecting Muslim communities this year. In June, a Michigan man was arrested after allegedly making violent threats against the American Islamic Community Center in Madison Heights, prompting an extensive law enforcement response and widespread concern throughout the local Muslim community. Days before the Philadelphia attack, worshippers at a mosque in Flushing, New York, confronted and restrained an armed individual before anyone was injured, preventing what could have become another tragedy. Together, these incidents demonstrate that threats against houses of worship remain an ongoing national security concern requiring continued vigilance by faith communities, law enforcement, and government officials.
The Shia Muslim Foundation has consistently responded to these incidents through public advocacy, direct engagement with affected communities, and collaboration with public officials and law enforcement partners. Following the threats against the Madison Heights mosque, SMF issued a public statement condemning the threats and reaffirming that every American deserves to worship without fear. After the attempted attack in Flushing, SMF worked to raise awareness of the incident and the continuing need for vigilance at houses of worship. The Foundation has also continued to advocate for stronger protections through outreach, education, and support for federal security initiatives.
Recognizing the evolving threat environment, SMF recently convened its Mosque Safety and Security Summit, bringing together Muslim community leaders, law enforcement agencies, homeland security professionals, emergency management officials, security experts, and nonprofit organizations from across the country. The summit focused on identifying emerging threats, strengthening partnerships between faith communities and public safety agencies, improving emergency preparedness, sharing security best practices, and expanding awareness of resources available to houses of worship, including the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
The attempted arson in Philadelphia reinforces many of the lessons discussed during the summit. Early reporting, rapid coordination with emergency responders, trained congregants, physical security improvements, and strong relationships with law enforcement can significantly reduce the impact of targeted attacks. Protecting houses of worship requires preparation before an incident occurs, not simply a response afterward.
SMF remains committed to helping mosques and Islamic centers strengthen their security through education, technical assistance, security awareness initiatives, grant support, and collaboration with federal, state, and local partners. The Foundation will continue working to build resilient communities that are prepared to prevent, respond to, and recover from threats targeting religious institutions.
The Shia Muslim Foundation stands in solidarity with the leadership and congregation of the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center and applauds the delivery driver whose quick actions helped prevent what could have been a far more devastating tragedy. SMF also thanks the firefighters, law enforcement officers, and investigators working to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
Every American deserves the freedom to worship in peace and safety. SMF will continue advocating for stronger protections for houses of worship and working with partners across the country to safeguard the constitutional right to freely practice one's faith.
