Police arrest man for ‘threatening mosque with rifle’ just days after Orlando massacre
POLICE have arrested a man after he allegedly bought an assault rifle and threatened a mosque just days after the Orlando shooting.
The 37-year-old is believed to have threatened the mosque on social media
The 37-year-old, who police have not named, is believed to have posted on social media that he had taken an assault rifle to Idris Mosque, Seattle, along with ammunition.
One of his friends called police officers during a time of heightened tension after the shooting in an Orlando gay bar – which left 49 people dead.
Sean O'Donell, from Seattle police, said: "We take this very seriously.
"We are very aware of the situation in Orlando and we are taking steps to ensure the safety of the individuals at the mosque.
Police warned a spokesman for Idris Mosque about the gunman.
"We received information and acted on it immediately out of an abundance of caution."
Police warned Hisham Farajallah, a spokesman for Idris Mosque, about the gunman.
The mosque was guarded by officers as a precautionary measure as local Muslims celebrated Ramadan with a period of fasting and prayer.
The mosque was guarded by officers as a precautionary measure
Mr Farajallah said: "We are prepared. The best we can do is inform people.”
The man is believed to have been previously contacted by police after a separate mosque was harassed and threatened.
Local officers received calls threatening women and children as they worshipped – with approximately 350 people being contained in the mosque at the time.