USA: Portland Muslim event canceled for threats

Organizers say the news of bin Laden's death was a relief to their Muslim community. bin Laden had claimed himself to be a Muslim, but as a mass-murderer, they say, he was clearly not a representative of their non-violent beliefs.

Pioneer Courthouse Square

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: KGW News | Portland
By Randy Neves | May 3, 2011

PORTLAND -- Local Muslims had planned to celebrate Osama bin Laden's death at Pioneer Courthouse Square downtown Monday evening. But they canceled the event for safety reasons.

The Islamic Society of Greater Portland wanted to gather with all citizens at the Square at 6 p.m. but after receiving threatening emails, organizers decided to call it off.

Organizers say the news of bin Laden's death was a relief to their Muslim community. bin Laden had claimed himself to be a Muslim, but as a mass-murderer, they say, he was clearly not a representative of their non-violent beliefs.


Spokesperson Saba Ahmed says after receiving what she describes as hateful, extremist emails, her local group made a tough decision to cancel the gathering.

"I think right now it's too soon we don't want to incite" she said. Pioneer Courthouse Square is "an open area. Muslims have always been fearful and bringing them out here at this time it's not the best choice for us."

Ahmed says it might be more appropriate to have a peaceful healing gathering at the Square on the anniversary of September 11th.

She is now headed to Washington DC for two months to help lobby for an end to US military involvement in Afghanistan.


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