FBI: Possible threat to Oregon Islamic centers investigated

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – FBI officials in Portland say authorities investigated a possible threat Wednesday to Islamic organizations in Oregon and determined there were no immediate safety concerns.

FBI spokeswoman Beth Anne Steele says by Wednesday afternoon investigators determined there was no known threat to any Oregon Islamic center.

She says no arrests have been made and that an investigation is ongoing. Steele says local law enforcement partners increased patrols at some Islamic facilities during the day.

Bassam Mohamed, office administrator at the Bilal Masjid mosque in Beaverton, said Washington County Sheriff’s deputies showed up Wednesday morning and stayed for several hours. He says police officers also went to an Islamic school that Bassam’s children attend in Tigard.

The Oregonian reported Steele wouldn’t say what the possible threat was or how it had been resolved.

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News release from the FBI-Oregon:

JTTF STATEMENT – POSSIBLE THREAT MATTER RESOLVED

Earlier today, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force identified a possible threat to Islamic organizations in Oregon. The FBI immediately notified our local law enforcement partners who increased patrols as appropriate. We greatly appreciate their partnership and proactive police work on behalf of the community.

Over the course of the day, investigation by JTTF agents and task force members resolved any immediate concerns. At this time, there is no known threat to any Islamic center in Oregon. There have been no arrests.

Through the course of the assessment and investigation, the JTTF communicated with leaders within each of the centers identified to ensure that they received timely and accurate updates and to address any concerns.

The investigation into this matter continues, and, for that reason, we will not be releasing further information.

As always, we need the public’s help in keeping the community safe. We encourage anyone with information about potential threats to contact law enforcement. Those with immediate life safety concerns should contact 911. Otherwise, we encourage those who have information about potential threats to contact the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or online at https://tips.fbi.gov.