Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, July 2009, page 55

Muslim-American Activism

Security Concerns Voiced at Islamic Center

	LAPD Lt. Mark G. Stainbrook (l) and L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Sheriff Sherif Morsi speak at the Islamic Center of Southern California (Photo S. Twair).

THE FIRST inter-security agency town hall of its kind took place April 5 at the Southern California Islamic Center, but a representative from the FBI was not on hand. The FBI’s excuse was that it was not an appropriate time. The audience was visibly disappointed, inasmuch as convicted felon Craig Monteih claims the FBI paid him to infiltrate and report on worshippers at a Southern California mosque.

Representatives of Homeland Security, California Emergency Management Agency, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) took questions which largely dealt with racial profiling.

A favorite with the audience was the LAPD’s Lt. Mark G. Stainbrook, who earned his master’s degree for research on post-9/11 Muslim communities. The affable law enforcement officer noted that his studies have widened his understanding of Muslims and their concerns.

Lt. Stainbrook recalled chatting with his brother-in-law, who pointed to a group of turbaned men and asked if Los Angeles has a large Muslim population. That’s when Lt. Stainbrook informed his in-law about the differences between Muslims and Sikhs.

—Pat McDonnell Twair