“Hate, bigotry and violence are our common enemy,” the center, located in West Chester Twp., said in a press release.
The center said it stands “shoulder to shoulder with fellow communities as we deal with the aftermath of the despicable crime.”
The center said it has contacted regional law enforcement for everyone’s safety. Ashraf Traboulsi, vice chair of the center, said during Ramadan, which lasts through July 5, there are nightly prayers at the center. He said it’s during those times when there is a “concern” for safety.
“We are going to take it up one notch,” he said of their safety measures.
Michelle Berling, public information officer for the West Chester Police Department, said it was department policy not to release any tactical plans to the public. She wouldn’t say whether additional officers will patrol the center.
The center, located at 8092 Plantation Drive, hosted an interfaith candlelight service Sunday night in the Community Center that was attended by about 200 people.
Traboulsi said the mood was “very somber” because of the enormity of the shooting. When he heard about the shooting, Traboulsi said he felt “complete utter shock and horror.”
He’s also concerned that every time there’s a shooting and the alleged shooter has an Islamic last name, the religion is “guilty by association.”
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