AHRC Condemns Violent Hate Threats and Commends Swift Police Action
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) commends the Madison Heights Police Department and the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for their swift and decisive response to the hateful, alarming, and explicit threats made against the American Islamic Community Mosque in Madison Heights, Michigan, on June 28.
The mosque received direct voice messages vowing to kill members of the community and demanding that they “get out of the country or face death.” According to the recorded messages, the caller stated: “I am going to kill you. I am going to kill your people.” “We’re going to come, and we’re going to come strong. We’re going to get rid of you one way or another,” “I am going to make you bleed… I am going to kill you,” and “Get out of my country before it’s too late.”
Madison Heights Police arrested the perpetrator, identified as a 35-year-old homeless man, Christopher Andrew Lord, who is now facing hate-crime and felony charges, including making false threats of terrorism, pending court proceedings. Lord is known to law enforcement and has a prior record of making threats.
AHRC is deeply alarmed by this act of hate, which reflects a troubling pattern of threats and intimidation targeting Muslim places of worship and other faith communities in Michigan and across the nation. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Such acts continue to be fueled by a toxic political climate and divisive anti-Muslim rhetoric.
This disturbing encounter is a stark reminder that hate, violence, and bigotry recognize no race, religion, or background. Hate is our common enemy, and confronting it is our shared responsibility — for both law enforcement and the public. Public safety is a collective duty. No faith community and no individual should ever live in fear while practicing their religion in the United States.
AHRC continues to urge all Muslim mosques, institutions, and all other faith-based organizations to remain vigilant and invest in safety measures and precautions