The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philly) called on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for a full hate crime investigation into a shooting at the Pike County Islamic Center in Matamoras, Pennsylvania, that occurred on Sunday, February 22, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
CAIR-National announced on X that CAIR-Philly is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s) responsible for the attack on the mosque.
“This act of violence targeting a house of worship is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” said Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR-Philadelphia. “Mosques, like all houses of worship, are sacred spaces meant for peace, prayer, and community. We urge local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and determine whether this attack was motivated by hate. We are grateful for the swift outreach and responsiveness of local and state police, and we stand ready to assist in any way necessary.”
Mohammed Alhomsi, a spokesperson for the Pike County Islamic Center, stated: “Our congregation is shaken but steadfast. We appreciate the professionalism and outreach shown by our elected leaders as well as local and state law enforcement during this difficult time. We call on anyone with information about this incident to come forward. Our community deserves safety, transparency, and justice.”
CAIR highlighted a troubling pattern of anti-mosque incidents in Pennsylvania, documenting more than a dozen cases over the past decade involving vandalism, threats, and attempted arson at Islamic centers in Philadelphia, Phoenixville, Upper Darby, Norristown, and other communities.
Nationally, CAIR has tracked a continued rise in anti-Muslim bias incidents in recent years, reflecting broader trends in hate-motivated activity across the United States.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro condemned the shooting in a post on X: “Violence targeted at our Muslim neighbors is unacceptable, and this attack is particularly painful during the blessed month of Ramadan.” Shapiro announced he would attend the breaking of the fast (Iftar) with the Muslim community in Pike County on Wednesday evening and celebrate Ramadan alongside them.
“The vandalism of a house of worship of any kind has no place in Pennsylvania. No matter who you pray to, I want you to know you have a home here in Pennsylvania,” he added.
Local and state law enforcement agencies have been investigating the incident since Sunday. No arrests had been announced as of Wednesday evening, and details about the nature of the shooting—whether shots were fired into the building, at individuals, or during a specific time of prayer—have not been fully released to protect the integrity of the ongoing probe.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from interfaith groups, civil rights organizations, and elected officials across Pennsylvania and nationally. Many have noted the heightened vulnerability of Muslim communities during Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and community gatherings that often increases mosque attendance.
CAIR-Philly and national CAIR leaders urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement or the organization’s hotline. They also reiterated their commitment to supporting the affected congregation and advocating for stronger protections against hate-motivated violence targeting houses of worship.
The incident occurs amid ongoing national conversations about rising hate crimes, religious intolerance, and the safety of minority faith communities in the United States.
