A major U.S. Muslim group cancels Virginia banquet over bomb and death threats

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has cancelled its annual banquet at a Virginia hotel due to bomb and death threats, possibly connected to the group’s concern for Palestinians involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Threat details: The Marriott Crystal Gateway, where the banquet was to be held, reportedly received anonymous calls threatening to plant bombs and attack the hotel in a style similar to the Jan. 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.
* Beside the bomb threats, thecalls also threatened specific hotel staff members.
* The police department in Arlington, where the hotel is located, is investigating these threats, reportedly received on Thursday.

Event cancellation: Following the threats, CAIR decided to cancel its 29th annual banquet at the specified venue, planned for Saturday, and move it to a confidential location with strengthened security.
* The group also cancelled a separate banquet initially planned for Oct 28 in Maryland, which will now be merged with Saturday’s event.
* CAIR has been using the Marriott Crystal Gateway for its banquet for the past decade.

What led to threats: The threats surfaced following CAIR’s decision to update the banquet’s program to discuss Palestinian human rights issues.
* The group began an online campaign urging Congress members to promote a ceasefire in Gaza after the Israel-Hamas war escalated last week.

Reactions: CAIR’s National Executive Director Nihad Awad condemned the threats and affirmed the organization’s commitment to justice.
* He said, “We strongly condemn the extreme and disgusting threats against our organization, the Marriott hotel and its staff…we will not allow…anti-Muslim bigots who seek to dehumanize the Palestinian people and silence American Muslims to stop us from pursuing justice for all.”

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