One of the founders of York Mosque has called for people to reflect on the city’s wider relationship with the place of worship after a shot was reportedly fired outside.
Professor Mohammed El-Gomati, a founder of York Mosque and its spokesperson, said it was “sad” to hear reports of the alleged incident at 2.19am on Thursday (July 30).
North Yorkshire Police said an arrest has been made in connection with the alleged incident.
The force said no one was injured and the weapon reportedly used was an air rifle.
A police cordon remains outside the entrance to the mosque on Thursday morning.
A police spokesperson said it was “too early to say what may have been the motivation behind this disturbing incident”, but there will be high-visibility patrols near York Mosque.
"Our Muslim community in York can be reassured that we are doing everything we can to establish the full circumstances,” they said, adding that officers will meet the mosque’s imam about the alleged incident.
Read more:
- LIVE: Arrest after 'shot fired' outside York Mosque - police cordon in place
- Man arrested after alleged firearm 'discharge' outside York Mosque and Islamic Centre
- York Mosque president praises ‘brave’ member for phoning police after ‘shot fired’
Prof El-Gomati asked people to “reflect and see what the relationship is between the mosque and the York community”.
“The mosque community in York is part of the larger community,” he said. “The fact that we are worshipping in the mosque is similar to other faith groups.”
He said it was the first reported incident of its kind outside the mosque since it was founded more than 30 years ago.
Prof El-Gomati said there would have been very few people in the mosque at the time of the alleged incident, as it would have happened hours before the dusk prayer at around 4am.
“Hopefully that’s the end of it and people can go about their lives as normal,” he added.
Prof El-Gomati said the mosque was due to host one of its regular community kitchen events, feeding vulnerable people in the community for free, at the place of worship on Thursday.
He said mosque has had to cancel the event due to the police presence.
Police said a 44-year-old York man, described as a white UK national, was arrested following the alleged incident and remains in custody.
Share