Matamoras, PA — Authorities say the weekend shooting at the Pike County Islamic Center is now being investigated as a bias crime.
Multiple shots were fired during the early morning hours of February 22 at the mosque during the holy month of Ramadan, according to the Eastern Pike Regional Police Department. Mosque leaders say that about two hours after special Ramadan taraweeh prayers concluded, multiple gunshots struck the building. Four bullets hit the structure. No one was inside at the time, and no injuries were reported.
The Pennsylvania State Police is assisting in the investigation. Authorities say no arrests have been made.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Eastern Pike Regional Police at 570-491-4040 or email cadams@eprpd.org.
The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR-Philadelphia, is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. The organization has called for a full and transparent investigation.
“This act of violence targeting a house of worship is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” said Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR-Philadelphia. “Mosques, like all houses of worship, are sacred spaces meant for peace, prayer, and community. We urge local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and determine whether this attack was motivated by hate. We are grateful for the swift outreach and responsiveness of local and state police, and we stand ready to assist in any way necessary.”
Mohammed Alhomsi, a spokesperson for the Pike County Islamic Center, said: “Our congregation is shaken but steadfast. We appreciate the professionalism and outreach shown by our elected leaders as well as local and state law enforcement during this difficult time. We call on anyone with information about this incident to come forward. Our community deserves safety, transparency, and justice.”
According to data compiled by CAIR and civil rights advocates, Pennsylvania has experienced more than a dozen anti-mosque incidents over the past decade, including vandalism, threats, and attempted arson targeting Islamic centers in communities such as Philadelphia, Phoenixville, Upper Darby, and Norristown. Nationally, CAIR has documented a continued rise in anti-Muslim bias incidents in recent years, reflecting broader trends in hate-motivated activity.
The Pike County Islamic Center is affiliated with the Islamic Center of Middletown in New York. Local and state police say they are conducting additional patrol checks at the Middletown location as a precaution.
In a statement Feb. 25, the Board of Directors of Delaware Valley Action pledged its full support to the Muslim community. “We at DVA believe that Pike County is and should continue to be a place where all are welcome and free to express their religious beliefs in their chosen place of worship, safely and without fear of harm or intimidation,” the statement said.
The Pike County Board of Commissioners issued a statement on Feb. 26 unequivocally condemning the shooting. “We express our unwavering support of religious freedom, the right to which is bestowed in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States,” the statement said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Image: The innaugration of the Pike County Islamic Center in August 2025. (Imam Dr. Zakir Ahmed)
Update: This article was updated on February 25 to include a statement from Delaware Valley Action and on Feb. 26 to include a statement from the The Pike County Board of Commissioners.
Although regrettable the bias incidents against Christians and Jews far outnumber those against Islam.
Saying there are more hate crimes against one thing doesn’t make this any less concerning. Honestly what is wrong with you?
This is not true. You must consider the number of people, their percentage of the population. If you were simply saying those who most recently came to our shores, maybe Muslims are the most recent arrivals. Then you could say that once it was the same for Catholics and also for Jews. Believe it or not only about 2% of Americans are Jewish. We already have more Muslims and waaaaaay more Catholics. I hope we are past the times when Catholics schools were necessary or when Jewish hospitals had to built. When the first boat load of Jews arrived at our harbor, the governor of New Amsterdam wanted to turn them away. He wrote the Dutch East India company stating this and was rebuffed, told essentially that they envisioned a place for trade. Religion had nothing to do with it. All are welcome who wish to participate in our envisioned thriving trading town. People come here to worship as they please or not to worship at all. All they need do is share in our far widened vision of the USA. Recently there was an event after which people were heard saying, Oh it just wasn’t white enough. I look at our youth and see a generation seemingly blind to skin color, all hanging out together. Peer groups united by shared interests. That’s the world we are still going for.