Beaver county man arrested for threatening islamic center

A 54-year-old man from Center Township, Pennsylvania, has been arrested and charged with ethnic intimidation and terroristic threats after allegedly leaving a threatening voicemail at the Islamic Center of Western Pennsylvania in Marshall Township.

Voicemail threat sparks outrage, mosque evacuated

Ted Frank reportedly threatened Muslims, urging them to leave the United States and allegedly telling them to "go back to Iran." The incident, confirmed by Northern Regional Police, led to the mosque's evacuation and the cancellation of congregational prayers.

Investigators traced the call to Frank, and he was denied bail, currently held at the Allegheny County Jail awaiting a preliminary hearing in early April. The incident has drawn condemnation from local and national leaders.

Christine Mohamed, executive director of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), stated the attack is deeply concerning but not isolated. "When a mosque is targeted, it impacts an entire community," she said. CAIR has notified the FBI, and Congresswoman Summer Lee has expressed outrage, pledging support to the Muslim community.

The FBI is assisting in the investigation. This act of intimidation comes during the holy month of Ramadan, intensifying the emotional impact on worshippers. The incident underscores the vulnerability of religious institutions to hate-fueled threats.

The case highlights the persistent threat of extremism and the urgent need for vigilance against hate crimes targeting minority communities. Frank's actions are not just a personal offense; they represent a direct assault on religious freedom and community safety.