Shia Muslim Foundation and Idara-e-Jaferia Host Landmark Community Safety and Security Summit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, Maryland Governor's Office of Homeland Security, and Montgomery County Police Department Join Shia Muslim Community to Address Safety, Build Partnerships, and Advance Federal Security Resources

BURTONSVILLE, MD — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) and Idara-e-Jaferia Islamic Center recently co-hosted their inaugural Community Safety and Security Summit in Burtonsville, Maryland, bringing together federal elected officials, state homeland security leadership, county law enforcement, and members of the Shia Muslim community in a historic gathering focused on the safety and security of one of America's most underserved religious minorities.

The Summit drew community members from across the region for an afternoon of substantive dialogue, actionable information, and renewed commitment from government partners at every level. SMF Executive Director Rahat Husain called the event a defining moment for both organizations. "Today's Summit is the direct result of months of sustained advocacy and relationship-building," said Husain. "We are proud to have brought these leaders together in our community's home, and we are more resolved than ever to ensure that Shia Muslims in America have the protection and resources they deserve."

Dr. Ghulam Abbas, President of Idara-e-Jaferia, echoed that sentiment. "For decades, this community has gathered within these walls to worship, to grieve, and to celebrate," said Dr. Abbas. "It is only right that we also gather here to demand what every community deserves: safety, dignity, and the full protection of our government. This Summit was a step toward that, and Idara-e-Jaferia is proud to stand alongside the Shia Muslim Foundation in this work."

Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth delivered keynote remarks reiterating her strong and unequivocal support for the Shia Muslim community, affirming her commitment to ensuring that religious minorities in Maryland have access to the federal protections and resources they need. SMF is grateful for the Congresswoman's continued engagement and her willingness to show up not just in Washington, but here, in the community itself.

Marcia Deppen, Interim Director of the Maryland Governor's Office of Homeland Security, provided attendees with a detailed overview of the security resources available to religious institutions and community organizations across Maryland, offering practical guidance on how Shia Muslim centers can access state-level support. Director Deppen's remarks were among the most immediately useful of the afternoon, and her presence reflected the deepening partnership between SMF and the State of Maryland that has developed over recent months, including her designation as SMF's dedicated state point of contact and SMF's integration into Maryland's statewide security coordination meetings.

Commander Jason Cokinos of the Montgomery County Police Department's 3rd District brought a perspective rooted in years of direct engagement with the Idara-e-Jaferia community. Commander Cokinos has developed a longstanding working relationship with the mosque and its leadership, and his remarks at the Summit reflected that trust and familiarity. SMF thanks Commander Cokinos for his continued dedication to building genuine, sustained ties between law enforcement and the Shia Muslim community in Montgomery County.

The Summit is the culmination of an intensive period of government engagement by SMF, which has in recent months met with the offices of Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Jamie Raskin, Congresswoman Elfreth, the Maryland Governor's Office of Homeland Security, and MCPD. SMF has documented a growing pattern of threats and attacks against Shia Muslim institutions across the United States and has pressed officials at every level to respond with commensurate resources, including access to the Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program, interagency coordination between the FBI and DHS, and dedicated law enforcement liaisons to Shia Muslim centers.

About the Shia Muslim Foundation

The Shia Muslim Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to civic advocacy, legal representation, and community safety for Shia Muslims in the United States. SMF works to build durable partnerships between Shia Muslim communities and government institutions at the federal, state, and local levels. For more information, visit shiamuslimfoundation.com.

About Idara-e-Jaferia

Idara-e-Jaferia Islamic Center is one of the largest and most prominent Shia Muslim institutions on the East Coast, serving the spiritual, educational, and civic needs of the Shia Muslim community in Maryland and the greater Washington, D.C. region for decades.

###

San Diego Mosque Shooting Puts Muslim House of Worship Security in National Spotlight After SMF Safety Summit

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A shooting reported Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego has turned mosque security into breaking national news just one day after the Shia Muslim Foundation’s Safety and Security Summit focused on protecting Muslim houses of worship. The timing is stark. What SMF and public officials discussed as an urgent security issue on Saturday became a live crisis at one of the largest Muslim institutions in Southern California on Monday.

According to the Associated Press, San Diego police responded to what authorities described as an active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Officer Anthony Carrasco told reporters that police believed people had been shot. Reuters separately reported that the mayor of San Diego described the incident as an active shooter situation and that police confirmed officers were on scene.

The Islamic Center of San Diego is not a small prayer space. AP reported that it is the largest mosque in San Diego County and that its campus includes Al Rashid School. That means the emergency was not limited to a place of worship alone. It struck a major Muslim religious and educational institution serving families, students, and the wider community.

In a statement shared Monday, the Muslim Public Affairs Council said it was closely monitoring reports of an active shooter incident at the Islamic Center of San Diego. MPAC added that it was devastated by reports of victims and called on the community to refrain from speculation while law enforcement continued responding. It stated plainly: "Houses of worship and schools should never become sites of fear or violence," and recommended that institutions immediately increase security.

Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation, said the attack was a brutal confirmation of the danger Muslim institutions continue to face. "What happened in San Diego is exactly why mosque security cannot be treated as a side issue or a once a year conversation," Husain said. "A mosque can be a house of worship, a school, a community center, and a refuge all at once. When one is attacked, the whole community feels it. We are praying for the victims, and we are urging every Muslim institution in America to take security planning seriously right now."

SMF also noted that Marcia Deppen, Interim Director of the Maryland Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, reached out to the foundation after the San Diego attack to check on the community’s needs. SMF said it is appreciative of that outreach and of the continued engagement by Maryland officials on the issue of mosque safety.

The San Diego attack also gives added weight to the summit SMF held just one day earlier. The core point of that event was that mosque security is not theoretical. Muslim institutions are expected to function as places of worship, education, and public service while facing real threats of violence. Monday’s shooting has now made that point in the clearest possible way.

This story is still developing. But one fact is already beyond dispute: less than twenty four hours after SMF convened a summit on the safety of Muslim institutions, a major American mosque went into active shooter response. That is not a hypothetical threat. That is headline reality. (AP News | Reuters)

SMF Community Brief: Hajj Travel Guidance for American Muslims

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) attended a Hajj travel and return briefing hosted by the Muslim Public Affairs Council, with representatives from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The briefing focused on safe travel and return for American Muslims performing Hajj this year, especially in light of the ongoing Iran war, regional security concerns, and possible travel disruptions. Sadia Niazi from the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was among the speakers.

This guidance is especially important for the American Muslim community. According to information shared during the briefing, approximately 9,000 pilgrims traveled from the United States for Hajj last year, and nearly 250,000 U.S.-based Muslims travel for Umrah annually.

Current Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory: Level 3

The State Department's current Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory is Level 3: Reconsider Travel, dated March 13, 2026. The advisory cites risk from Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and Saudi laws regarding social media activity. The Yemen border region is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Use Only the Nusuk Hajj Platform

The State Department guidance makes clear that U.S. citizens performing Hajj must use the Nusuk Hajj platform, which is the only official platform for booking and managing Hajj packages, flights, payments, and visas. Pilgrims from the United States must obtain a Hajj permit and visa through Nusuk. U.S. citizens living in Saudi Arabia must also register through Nusuk to perform Hajj.

Beware of Scams Targeting Hajj and Umrah Travelers

Community members should be especially alert to scams. The State Department warns that Hajj and Umrah travelers are frequently targeted by scammers offering fake Hajj visas, fake permits outside Nusuk, and fraudulent Hajj or Umrah packages. These scams may appear on social media platforms, including Facebook, and may claim to offer special Hajj permits outside the official process. Performing Hajj without a permit may result in deportation, detention, fines, or a ban from future visits to Saudi Arabia. Overstaying a visa can lead to heavy fines, detention, deportation, or future travel bans.

Social Media Rules in Saudi Arabia

The briefing emphasized reviewing Saudi social media rules before travel. Saudi authorities may detain travelers for social media posts or online activity considered critical, offensive, or disruptive to public order, including past posts, reposts, or likes made outside Saudi Arabia. The State Department recommends deleting sensitive photos, comments, or past content that may be viewed as controversial or inappropriate in Saudi Arabia, and avoiding such activity while in the country.

Safety, Health, and Heat Preparedness

In 2024, 12 Americans died during Hajj, according to information shared during the briefing. Pilgrims should take heat, crowd safety, hydration, medication access, mobility needs, and emergency planning seriously. Summer temperatures in Makkah may exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Families and group leaders should consider practical safety steps, especially for elderly pilgrims and young travelers. The use of AirTags or similar location tracking devices may help families locate travelers who become separated in large crowds, provided the traveler or guardian consents and the device is used lawfully.

CBP Reentry and Customs Guidance

CBP advises Hajj travelers to prepare for U.S. departure and reentry by understanding customs requirements. CBP's Hajj travel tips note that travelers must declare currency over $10,000 when entering or leaving the United States, and should review restrictions on food, agricultural items, and other goods before travel.

General Travel Safety Checklist

• Keep passports secure and carry copies of passport and visa pages

• Save emergency contact information, including the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, and the U.S. Consulate General in Dhahran

• Monitor official U.S. government guidance throughout your travel

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before departure

• Review and, if needed, clean up your social media presence before entering Saudi Arabia

• Plan for hydration and heat safety given temperatures exceeding 105°F in Makkah

• Use only the Nusuk platform for official Hajj booking, permits, and visa processing

Official Resources

SMF encourages American Muslim community organizations, mosque leaders, Hajj group leaders, and families advising pilgrims to review the following official resources before departure:

• U.S. Department of State Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage Guidance

• U.S. Department of State Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection Hajj Travel Tips