BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Following the deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, Muslim communities across the country are grappling with fear, grief and renewed concerns about safety.<\/p>\n
Emad Meerza, spokesperson for the Islamic Shura Council of Bakersfield, said the incident is not only concerning for Muslims, but should concern the broader community as a whole.<\/p>\n
\u201cHate turns into violence, and violence sometimes turns into death,\u201d Meerza said.<\/p>\n
Meerza, who for years served as emir of the local Islamic community and remains involved with the Islamic Shura Council of Bakersfield, said fear and anxiety within Muslim communities have persisted for decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey worry about the greater community distrusting them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The comments come as investigators continue examining the San Diego attack. Authorities said anti-Islamic writings were found connected to the suspects. Police said three adults were killed in the shooting, including a longtime manager of the mosque store, a community member who helped move people away from gunfire and a security guard.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey sacrificed their lives to protect the entire community inside the Islamic Center of San Diego,\u201d said Taha Hassane, imam and director of the Islamic Center of San Diego.<\/p>\n
Meerza said the attack is raising concerns locally, especially as Muslim communities prepare for upcoming holidays and public celebrations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey want protection because they understand that there\u2019s an environment that should concern them,\u201d Meerza said. \u201cIt\u2019s also a problem for other communities that we\u2019ve talked about, like the Jewish community, like maybe, you know, the Hispanic community. There\u2019s so many communities right now that are minority communities that are concerned.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the issue extends beyond religion or any single group, describing it as \u201can American issue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe should ask ourselves, how many pundits on all sides, how many politicians on all sides, how many religious leaders on all sides are coming out really firmly, harshly condemning and explaining that we got an illness, we need the cure, we need to start talking about it?\u201d Meerza said.<\/p>\n
Meerza said now is the time for communities to come together and confront the divisions that can lead to violence.<\/p>\n
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