Madison Heights police arrested one person on Monday after threatening voicemails were left for the American Islamic Community Center on Dequindre Road, officials say. The messages rattled congregants and prompted calls for extra security at the mosque.
Investigation and response
According to ClickOnDetroit, Madison Heights police said the probe into threats in the 27000 block of Dequindre Road identified the individual and led to an arrest. The department said charges are being submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office for review as the investigation continues.
Local television reporting said the center received at least two profanity-laced voicemail messages, FOX 2 Detroit published audio it obtained from the Arab American News that included the line, "I am going to kill you. I am going to kill your people." The station also reported officers were seen increasing patrols at the site while investigators work to identify the caller.
The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations urged local, state and federal authorities to investigate the messages as a potential hate crime and to use full resources to find the caller, saying the mosque has faced past harassment. Per CAIR-MI, the organization also pointed worshippers toward its safety guidance for mosques.
Community leaders and local reporting note the American Islamic Community Center and its leadership have long been involved in efforts to expand and have sometimes faced local opposition, including during a years-long push to build a larger facility in neighboring Sterling Heights, as reported by The Arab American News. That history has contributed to heightened concern among congregants now.
The Madison Heights Police Department said in a statement, per ClickOnDetroit, that it is treating bias-motivated threats seriously and has updated the mosque's membership about the investigation. Authorities have not released the suspect's name or the exact charges while detectives follow leads.
Legal process and next steps
Charges in the case are under review by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, which will decide whether to pursue criminal charges and any bias-motivated enhancements. CAIR-MI also urged worshippers to consult its "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety" guidance while the investigation continues.
Per the Madison Heights Police Department website, people with information can find non-emergency contact numbers and reporting guidance. Local leaders said they will keep congregants informed as investigators follow up on tips and leads.
