Yesterday, a United States military officer, Army Major Malik Hasan reportedly went on a rampage and shot and killed 12 American soldiers and wounded 31 others at Fort Hood in Texas.

Across the US, national Muslim American organizations have come out to denounce the shooting incident at Fort Hood.

The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Muslim American Society (MAS), the Muslim Public Affairs Council-DC (MPAC-DC), the Islamic Society of North America Office for Interfaith and Community Alliances (ISNA) and the American Muslim Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Council (AMAFVAC) and many others have denounced this barbaric act of violence.

Not only were these actions condemned in the strongest possible terms, but as CAIR stated in the attached video that “no political or religious ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence.  The attack was particularly heinous in that it targeted our nation’s all-volunteer army that includes thousands of Muslims in all services."

All organizations speaking on behalf of American Muslims, offered their deepest condolences to the victims and their loved ones. Further, they hope and expect that law enforcement officials will resolve this matter as swiftly and justly as possible.

Today, representatives from three of these organizations will be holding a press conference in Washington DC. They will be joined by Congressman Andre Carson (D-IN).  I thank the Congressman for his strong leadership and voice in this time of tragedy.

The local organization of which I am a member of, Islamic Resource Group (IRG) also joined national organizations in its condemnation.  IRG would like to publicly state to the Minnesota community, "We condemn this heinous attack on fellow Americans that has taken the lives and injured so many. We urge and support law enforcement in their investigation and prosecution of this criminal act to the full extent of the law. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, and the entire local and national community. While the motive behind this shocking attack is still unclear, we strongly assert that such actions have no place, no validity and no support in our society and community and we categorically abhor and reject such senseless violence. IRG stands with fellow Americans in supporting and praying for the victims and their families."

Finally, I appeal to the media and politicians to exercise restraint in how this incident is reported and commented on.  Every care should be taken to not malign an entire community or faith because of the actions of one individual whose motive for this crime is still not clear.