IANT hosts reception in Dallas

By Raja Zahid A Khanzada

DALLAS: Assistant Attorney General USA Thomas E Perez has said that their focus of attention is not Muslims in particular but only the crime and criminal elements in the community.

Perez was addressing Muslim leaders and imam of DFW area at a reception hosted by Islamic Association of North Texas (IANT) in Richardson during Perez short tour from Washington DC.

He expressed his wish to meet with all of the Imams and Muslim leaders of Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) area in his visit to get awareness of Muslims issues and concerns regarding FBI and their workings.

He said that he welcome criticism and comments on his department of Justice. He expressed his appreciation for community members helping and stressed on mutual benefit.

Perez explained as how his department has helped Muslims in protection against discrimination, hate crimes and in similar cases where his department has helped getting justice to victims and to bring the criminal elements to justice. He said America is for all of us, we would have to work together to protect our communities and country for ourselves and for our children.

US Attorney for Texas Northern District Sarah R. Saldana while addressing the gathering said that "We come here to inform you about our department as how they work. I will welcome anyone coming to my office". She said that her department and FBI play a major role in apprehension and prosecution of criminal elements in the society.

Special Agent in-charge Federal bureau of Investigation (FBI) for North Texas Robert E.Casey while addressing the gathering said that those individuals who work with FBI are highly professional people. Every case goes through a protocol where senior officers also look into the cases, and according to their authorities all regulations are followed.

Muslim community leader Khalid Hamideh while thanking the attendees stressed on the need of working together with mutual respect to put a common front for criminal elements. He said that Muslim community relationship goes long way and from before 911.

He said Islam also teaches us to live with peace and tranquility. The gathering was also addressed by IANT imam Yusuf Kavacki, while community leaders IANT Chramin Mohsin Mandaia and IANT hosted Imams of various mosques and religious and community leaders attended the meeting. US attorney of Eastern region J,Malcolm Bales also attended the reception.

All invited guests met with community members whereas the Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez left for the airport. State US Attorney had a photo op session with community members and invited attendees to contact him in Washington without any hesitation. IANT also hosted a dinner in honor for all the participants.