Bomb, death threats force relocation of Muslim group’s annual banquet

A national Muslim civil rights group, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), announced on Thursday its decision to relocate its annual banquet due to bomb and death threats directed at the Marriott Crystal Gateway hotel in Arlington, Virginia, where the event was originally scheduled.

The threats were received amidst concerns about the Israel-Hamas conflict and the group’s focus on human rights issues for Palestinians.

CAIR had planned to hold its 29th annual banquet on Saturday at the Marriott Crystal Gateway, a venue it had used for the past decade. However, due to recent threats, the organization has moved the event to an undisclosed location with heightened security measures, according to their official statement.

The threats against the hotel included anonymous calls warning of potential bomb placements in the hotel’s parking garage, specific threats to hotel staff in their homes, and references to a potential attack on the hotel similar to the events of January 6th at the U.S. Capitol. Arlington police are currently investigating these threats, and the FBI is also reported to be involved in the investigation.

Another banquet initially planned for October 28th in Maryland was canceled and will be merged with the rescheduled event on Saturday, according to CAIR.

The threats appear to be linked to CAIR’s updated focus on human rights issues for Palestinians and their online campaign urging members of Congress to support a ceasefire in Gaza. CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad, who is Palestinian American, strongly condemned the threats, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to pursuing justice for all and rejecting attempts to silence their advocacy.

The recent threats come in the context of heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, with violence erupting in the Middle East, and concerns that such events could inspire violence in the United States. Law enforcement agencies have increased patrols, added security around sensitive locations like the U.S. Capitol, and some schools have temporarily closed as a precaution.

FBI Director Christopher Wray and other officials noted the evolving threat landscape, particularly since the conflict began, and are actively addressing and mitigating these concerns, as both Jewish and Muslim communities have faced threats in the U.S.