Shia Muslim Foundation Meets with Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee to Discuss FBI Coordination for Mosque Security

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) today met with Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, on Capitol Hill to discuss securing federal support for mosque safety, specifically through coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The meeting included a representative from UMAA, reflecting the broad coalition of American Muslim organizations united around the urgent need for community protection.

The delegation raised concerns about the safety of Shia Islamic centers across the United States and discussed avenues through which Rep. Raskin could assist in facilitating engagement between community institutions and the FBI's outreach and threat assessment programs. SMF also specifically requested Rep. Raskin's assistance in facilitating direct communication between law enforcement and all mosques in Maryland, both Sunni and Shia, underscoring that mosque security is a concern that transcends sectarian lines and requires a unified community response.

As Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Raskin serves as the senior Democrat on the committee with direct oversight authority over the Department of Justice and the FBI. As Ranking Member, he is entitled to sit as an ex officio member in all subcommittee meetings, giving him broad visibility and influence across the committee's jurisdiction. He was chosen by unanimous vote of the House Democratic Caucus to serve as Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee for the 119th Congress. The committee is the primary congressional body responsible for oversight of federal law enforcement, civil liberties, and constitutional rights.

"Shia mosques across America face real and documented security threats," said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of SMF. "We are grateful to Congressman Raskin for making time to meet with us and for his commitment to ensuring that all faith communities receive the federal attention and protection they deserve. His leadership on the Judiciary Committee makes him uniquely positioned to help bridge our community with the resources of the FBI."

SMF and UMAA expressed their commitment to continued engagement with federal officials on community safety, civil rights, and the protection of Muslim houses of worship nationwide.

About the Shia Muslim Foundation

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and community empowerment on behalf of Shia Muslims in the United States. SMF engages with elected officials, federal agencies, and interfaith partners to advance the safety, rights, and civic participation of the American Muslim community.