After Violent Threats to Dearborn Arbaeen March, Police Detain Suspect

Washington DC. August 17 2025. The Shia Muslim Foundation is deeply alarmed by threats made yesterday against the Ashura March for Justice in Dearborn, where thousands gathered in peaceful mourning for Imam Husain. According to the Dearborn Police Department, a twenty seven year old male from Garden City allegedly made threats of violence against participants at the march. Police located and detained him within hours, preventing any potential disruption of the procession. City leaders stated that investigators are continuing to monitor social media and other platforms for similar threats, and that anyone attempting to instill fear will face immediate consequences.

Dearborn Police issued a statement regarding the incident.

In a joint statement, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud and Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin underscored the city’s commitment to safety: “When someone threatens violence against our community, we will act swiftly and decisively. There is zero tolerance for threats of this nature, and anyone who attempts to sow fear or division will be held fully accountable. The safety and unity of our community will always come first.”

SMF praises Dearborn Police and city officials for their swift and decisive response, showing that violence and intimidation will be met with immediate action.

"This is not a theoretical problem. Threats like these are an attack on religious freedom and an effort to terrorize a community," said Rahat Husain, SMF's Executive Director. "The Ashura March for Justice and Arbaeen processions are lawful, sacred gatherings. Law enforcement must treat these cases with the highest urgency. We demand transparency and the full prosecution of offenders to prevent repeat actions."

The Ashura March for Justice in Dearborn, now in its eleventh year, has become one of the most visible Shia commemorations in the United States, drawing thousands from across Michigan and beyond. Beginning around 2017, the annual procession typically starts at Fordson High School and concludes at Ford Woods Park, where participants carry banners, flags, and perform latmiyat (chest-beating elegies) in public mourning for Imam Husayn, the Prophet’s grandson who was martyred at Karbala. Dearborn’s march is rooted in the city’s role as home to one of North America’s largest Shia communities and the Islamic Center of America, the continent’s largest Shia mosque. What distinguishes this procession is its dual character: a religious ritual of grief and remembrance, and a civic demonstration of unity and justice, tying the memory of Karbala to modern calls against oppression worldwide.

Arbaeen processions require visible and immediate protection

Arbaeen, which follows forty days after Ashura, is one of the most important Shia commemorations. Processions honoring Imam Husayn are central to Shia identity and faith, drawing large gatherings across the United States.

Recent and ongoing processions include:

• Dearborn, Michigan: Marches drawing tens of thousands.

• New York City: Arbaeen and Ashura processions in Manhattan and Queens.

• Washington DC: Drawing from the entire DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas

• Houston, Texas: Public Arbaeen procession at City Hall and surrounding areas.

• Los Angeles, California: Annual Ashura and Arbaeen commemorations.

“These are lawful, historic, and sacred gatherings. Threats against them are an attack not only on Shia Muslims but on the principle of religious freedom in America. Law enforcement must treat these cases with the highest urgency,” Husain added.

Immediate steps required

1. Strong police presence along procession routes, with units dedicated to intercepting threats.

2. Ongoing monitoring of online platforms, with direct communication to procession marshals.

3. Public confirmation of arrests and charges to prevent rumor and panic.

4. Prosecutors applying the full weight of the law to threats against religious minorities.

   
   

Community guidance

• Proceed with scheduled processions. Do not cancel events without law enforcement direction.

• Deploy trained marshals. Keep emergency lanes open.

• Document and report all threats to police and the FBI tip line.

• Provide counseling support for children, seniors, and others unsettled by these threats.

  
  

Shia Muslim Foundation will continue monitoring developments in Dearborn and will provide updates as official records are released.

About Shia Muslim Foundation

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. It supports the civic rights of American Shia Muslims. The foundation also advocates on social and political issues affecting the community. The organization regularly collaborates with government agencies, lawmakers, and interfaith partners, including major Sunni Muslim organizations. This work helps build alliances and strengthens security for Shia institutions. SMF also addresses issues like unjust immigration actions and the denial of religious freedoms.

Foiled terror plot headline draws urgent response from Shia Muslim leaders

A new statement from the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America calls the recently disrupted plan to bomb IEC Husaini in Glendale Heights Illinois “an attack on the right to worship and a warning sign of rising anti Muslim hate.” The statement opens with Qur’an 22:40, reminding readers that God protects houses of worship when people stand together. The Council stresses that the attempt took aim at Muharram gatherings that honor Imam Hussain’s stand against oppression, making the threat even more severe.

“We unequivocally condemn the plot to attack a Shia Muslim mosque in Glendale Heights during the sacred month of Muharram ... Anti Muslim speech and attacks on houses of worship are increasing in frequency.”— Council of Shia Muslim Scholars

View the statement here

The statement from the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America was signed by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi, who serves as the Secretary-General of the Council.

Court filings show a sixteen year old Lombard male entered IEC Husaini on July 4, recorded prayer areas, and returned on July 12 carrying a hidden handgun while planning an explosive strike. He now faces counts of attempted terrorism and unlawful firearm possession and remains in detention. Officials credit a joint FBI and DuPage County investigation for stopping the plan.

The statement links the danger to unchecked Islamophobic rhetoric and biased media coverage that normalise hate. The Council urges police to boost patrols around Shia centers and asks public figures to drop inflammatory language.

SMF echoes these concerns. The timing of this plot — during Muharram, a period of mourning and reflection for millions of Shia Muslims — is a direct attack on religious freedom. It is also a chilling reminder that houses of worship, meant to be safe havens, remain vulnerable.

SMF fully supports the Council’s call to action. We demand immediate federal and state-level resources to protect Shia Islamic centers across the United States, especially during sensitive times like Muharram. We also urge all community organizations to adopt robust security measures and to maintain active cooperation with local law enforcement.

The Shia Muslim Foundation stands united with the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars, and all Muslim organizations in demanding accountability, stronger security, and an end to the rhetoric that emboldens violent actors.

FBI Foils Attempted Terrorist Attack at Shia Mosque in Illinois

July 18, 2025

Attempted Bombing Plot Foiled at Shia Mosque in Illinois: SMF Calls for Urgent Action

Washington, DC – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is sounding the alarm following the arrest of a 16-year-old from Lombard, Illinois, charged with plotting a terrorist attack against IEC Husaini, a prominent Shia mosque in Glendale Heights. The FBI and local law enforcement prevented what could have been a mass-casualty event during religious services at the center.

According to law enforcement, the teenager entered IEC Husaini on July 4 during active worship, filming the building’s layout and congregation—allegedly for the purpose of planning an explosive attack. He was later found in possession of a concealed firearm. Investigators uncovered evidence that he intended to use the footage and weapons to carry out a deadly assault. He is now in custody facing felony charges including attempted terrorism.

“This wasn’t a hate crime gone too far. This was a deliberate, premeditated attempt to massacre American Muslims during worship,” said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation. “Without rapid intervention from the FBI and state officials, we could be mourning dozens of lives today.”

IEC Husaini has long served as a religious, educational, and civic hub for the Shia Muslim community in Illinois. It is among the most active Shia centers in the Midwest, drawing thousands for events such as Muharram commemorations, Ramadan services, and interfaith gatherings.

This is not an isolated incident. In 2022, a separate plot to attack a Shia mosque in the Chicago area was foiled by the FBI. That case involved a Maine man and two teens—one from Illinois—planning a joint ISIS-inspired assault. These are not lone actors; these are part of a rising trend of targeted anti-Shia threats and violent extremism.

“An attempted act of terrorism, as alleged in this case, achieves the same goals of spreading fear, dividing our communities and undermining the rule of law, as does an act of terrorism,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said. “The allegations against this juvenile are extremely serious and will not be tolerated in DuPage County. I am extremely proud to be part of a team of federal and local officials whose shared dedication to public safety and ability to work together toward a common goal prevented what could have been a horrible tragedy. I commend the Chicago Field Office of the FBI for their work on this case and for their continued efforts in keeping our citizens throughout the state safe. I also thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Lombard Police Department for their work and assistance on this case as well as Assistant State’s Attorney Nick Catizone for his efforts in preparing a strong case against the juvenile.”

DOJ official statement: https://www.dupagecounty.gov/state_s_attorney/lombard_juvenile_charged_with_attempt_terrorism_at_1507.php

SMF Demands Federal Recognition of the Pattern

SMF is calling on the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to formally recognize the pattern of targeted violence against Shia institutions and to launch an investigation into anti-Shia extremism as a distinct domestic terrorism threat.

“We cannot allow plots like this to be minimized or miscategorized,” said Husain. “If this attack had targeted a church or synagogue, it would dominate national headlines. Shia Muslims should not have to die before this country acknowledges the danger.”

Call to Action

SMF urges:

• Federal and state law enforcement to increase protections for Shia Muslim institutions

• DOJ to pursue federal terrorism and hate crime charges where applicable

• Public officials to speak out immediately against anti-Shia hate

• Community members to report all suspicious activity and threats to law enforcement

About IEC Husaini:

IEC Husaini is one of the Midwest’s largest Shia Muslim institutions, founded in 1993. It serves as a religious, educational, and civic hub for the Shia community in Illinois, known for its outreach, community service, and interfaith engagement.

About the Shia Muslim Foundation:

SMF is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, DC. It defends the civic and religious rights of Shia Muslims in the United States and advocates for greater awareness of anti-Shia violence at home and abroad.

Press Contact:

Farhana Kassamali

Director of Communications

farhana@shiamuslimfoundation.com