Police Investigation Ongoing Over Threatening Call To Mosque In Vernon

VERNON, CT — Vernon police said Friday they "take reports of this nature seriously" amid a complaint filed by a local mosque over what it termed to be a disturbing phone message.

"The police department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all members of out community," a department spokesman said.

The Connecticut chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations on Wednesday condemned what it described as an anti-Muslim voicemail targeting the Islamic Center of Vernon, which has filed a complaint with the VPD.

According to mosque leaders, an unidentified caller left a voicemail containing "anti-Islamic and ethnic slurs" directed at the Vernon mosque.

CAIR-CT said it advised mosque leadership to contact the Vernon Police Department and file a hate crime complaint, which was later submitted.

"An investigation was immediately initiated," police said.

In a statement, CAIR-CT Chairman Farhan Memon said the organization appreciates law enforcement’s response to the incident.

"We welcome this investigation and thank the Vernon Police Department for taking this incident seriously," Memon said. "This was not merely a disagreement about religion or a political statement. It was a targeted act of anti-Muslim hatred directed at a local house of worship and its congregants."

Memon said no place of worship "should face threats, intimidation or harassment because of the faith practiced by its members."

Memon added, "We hope this case sends a clear message that anti-Muslim hate has no place in Connecticut and that those who target religious communities will be held accountable under the law."

Vernon police said that anyone who may have information related to the incident can contact them.