(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/4/12) — The Iowa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-IA) today called on the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate a letter with “very threatening” language and containing a mysterious powder that was sent to a Muslim representative in the Iowa House yesterday.

The letter, sent to Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad (D-Des Moines), was opened by his clerk Tuesday afternoon on the House floor. When a white powder “billowed out” from the envelope, a hazardous materials team was called and the Statehouse was locked down for several hours. The powder was ultimately deemed harmless.

Abdul-Samad is a member of CAIR-IA’s board of directors.

VIDEO: Mysterious Powder Unnerves Statehouse

“We urge the Department of Justice to review this case and to determine whether a federal civil rights investigation is warranted,” said CAIR-IA Executive Director Miriam Amer.

Amer said the nature of the threat contained in the letter has not been made public. She noted that Iowa is one of dozens of states that have introduced legislation targeting Islamic principles, or Sharia.

CAIR-IA: Iowa’s Constitution Targeted for Anti-Sharia Amendment
Gavel to Gavel: Review of Bans on Court Use of Sharia/International Law

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR-IA Executive Director Miriam Amer, 319-573-6617 (Please text before calling.), E-Mail: mamer@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com