Dozens gathers at Islamic center to show support

Mercy Junction minister Rev. Brian Merrit leads "Prayers In Solidarity" in front of the Islamic Society of Chattanooga Friday, September 4, 2015.
Mercy Junction minister Rev. Brian Merrit leads "Prayers In Solidarity" in front of the Islamic Society of Chattanooga Friday, September 4, 2015.

A group of about 30 people gathered outside the Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga on Friday to show support for the Muslim community - a demonstration sparked in part by comments made by Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond earlier this week.

On Monday, Hammond said the spread of Islam is "the strongest infringement that we've had in our country as a constitutional government since communism."

Although the sheriff said he was referring only to radical Islam, his comments have been widely condemned by both national and state civil rights organizations. The citizens who arrived at the Islamic Society on Friday also spoke against Hammond's statements.

"I am here because I do not like when public officials make racist, sexist or homophobic comments to prejudice their employees," said attendee Rosemary Hurayt.

Hammond also suggested that other sheriffs in Tennessee need to keep a close eye on Islamic activity. He made his comments during a public meeting of the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club.

The Tennessee American Civil Liberties Union called Hammond's words alarmist and sensational on Wednesday.

"Inaccurate, sweeping indictments made by leaders in law enforcement endanger members of the very communities that they have taken an oath to protect," the statement read. "Not only do these statements send the wrong message to their respective communities, they stoke the flames of hate that could incite attacks against peaceful Americans."

At the Islamic Society, most of the 30 people who arrived to show support also stepped inside to listen to the Friday afternoon service. Azhar Sheikh, a member of the congregation, said he welcomed the extra guests.

"The fear of the unknown breeds doubts," he said. "We are Muslims, but we are no less Americans or Chattanoogans as anybody else. This is home."

Chattanooga police Chief Fred Fletcher also visited with demonstrators. He declined to directly address Hammond's comments, but said that he is committed to keeping all citizens safe.

"We have an obligation to police based on people's actions and behavior," he said, "not immutable characteristics."

Another Tennessee law enforcement official, Sevier County Sheriff Ron Seals, also came under fire this week after comments he made at a Sevier County Tea Party meeting surfaced.

Seals said last week that he believes President Barack Obama "belongs to the Muslim Brotherhood" and told attendees at the meeting to report members of the Muslim community who were "aggressive in local restaurants," according to a story by the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Several statewide civil liberty and immigrant rights organizations denounced the comments from both sheriffs.

Contact staff writer Shelly Bradbury at 423-757-6525 or sbradbury@timesfreepress.com with tips or story ideas.

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