Across the U.S., mosques are being treated as soft targets—from firebombings in Minnesota to a foiled mass killing in San Diego that could have mirrored the New Zealand massacre. In this powerful live panel, we go inside the new reality of mosque security in America: how close communities have come to catastrophe, what actually prevented mass casualties, and why most masajid are still dangerously unprepared.

Hosted by Nicole Foster Bradford, CAIR’s Community Advocacy Director, this conversation brings together front-line imams and civil rights leaders who have lived these crises in real time:

• Imam Taha Hassane – Imam, Islamic Center of San Diego, where an armed congregant and a lockdown plan saved more than 100 lives.
• Tazheen Nizam – Executive Director, CAIR-San Diego, a “civil rights first responder” helping communities navigate trauma, policy, and police after attacks.
• Jaylani Hussein – Executive Director, CAIR-Minnesota, who has faced over 50 mosque incidents and survived a mosque firebombing himself.
• Imam Naeem Baig – Imam, Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Northern Virginia, a national interfaith leader building real community protection beyond the masjid walls.

If you’ve ever assumed “it won’t happen at our masjid,” this episode will change the way you think about safety, community, and responsibility—and give you concrete steps to take back to your board, imam, and fellow congregants.

Guests

• Imam Taha Hassane – Imam, Islamic Center of San Diego
• Tazheen Nizam – Executive Director, CAIR-San Diego
• Jaylani Hussein – Executive Director, CAIR-Minnesota
• Nicole Foster Bradford – Community Advocacy Director, CAIR
• Imam Naeem Baig – Imam, Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center

Key Takeaways

• Mosque security is not just cameras and locks—it’s policy, training, neighbors, and culture.
• The most effective protection often comes long before an attacker reaches the door.
• Tawakkul demands preparation, not passivity.
• Every community member can (and must) play a role in keeping the masjid safe.