Islamic Society of Central Jersey Condemns Orlando Shooting, Calls for More Gun Control

The Islamic Society of Central Jersey (ISCJ), based out of a mosque off Rt. 1 in South Brunswick, issued a statement Monday on the Orlando terrorist attack at a gay nightclub. The Muslim group condemned the mass shooting, the worst in U.S. history, but also called for stronger gun control.

The shooter, Omar Mateen, was put on a terrorist watch list while he was investigated by the FBI on two difference occasions in 2013 and 2014. 

He was first questioned by the FBI after his co-workers reported he made inflammatory comments sympathetic to terrorists. He was questioned by the FBI again in 2014 after agents learned he had been in contact with an American who later died in a suicide bombing in Syria, according to the LA Times. Their investigations both ended after they determined he broke no laws, and Mateen was taken off the list.

He killed 49 people in a crowded nightclub using an assault weapon and a handgun, both of which he legally purchased in Florida 12 days before the shooting.

"The ISCJ expresses its condolences for all those families and friends of the victims of the horrific attacks in Orlando, Florida," reads their statement. "The ISCJ strongly condemns this unjustified attack. This violence is totally unacceptable and against every value and tradition of all faiths. It is simply a tragic hate crime against humanity. Islam and all faiths support the sanctity of life and we are deeply saddened to issue yet another statement condemning senseless violence and lack of respect and dignity for life. We applaud and give thanks to law enforcement officials and first responders who heroically aided the surviving victims."

"This attack is particularly deplorable coming during the blessed month of Ramadan. We speak as Muslims, as Americans and as human beings who are committed to peace, democracy and justice for all children and people in the world. We stand in solidarity and reject and condemn violence, hatred, and discrimination toward any individual or group on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, religion, familial status, orientation, and national origin. Our prayers continue to be with the victims and their loved ones. We must remain vigilant against all hate crimes."

"Sadly, this mass shooting highlights the issue of gun safety in our country and we implore our elected officials to take action to enact gun safety regulations as soon as possible. We pray we do not have to hear the news of another mass shooting. This is simply unacceptable."