Authorities add patrols near mosques

Sioux Falls law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols around mosques in response to anti-Muslim violence and vandalism elsewhere in the country.

“It is our intent to promote a feeling of safety and security in all areas of the city, and this is a natural extension of that,” Police Chief Matt Burns said.

The president of the Muslim Community Center of South Dakota said the community feels at home in Sioux Falls, but leaders asked for extra patrols at the city's three mosques during times of prayer as a precaution.

"We are thankful for the community and we are getting good support during this time," Hesham Elgouhari said.

Sioux Falls is estimated to be home to more than 5,000 Muslims and has three mosques — the Masjid Attakwa on South Garfield, the Islamic Center of Sioux Falls on East Sixth Street and the Muslim Community Center of South Dakota on Western Avenue.

Sioux Falls police have not received reports of crimes targeting Muslims in the wake of the Paris attack, San Bernardino, Calif. shooting, and inflammatory comments by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who proposed this week to ban all Muslims from entering the country.

Capt. Mike Walsh of the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office said departments plan to maintain patrols to deter any attempted vandalism of mosques. He said the department had previously met with local Muslim leaders and shared a phone number to call if they ever had concerns.

“They are valued members of our community, and what happens in other parts of the country, they certainly aren’t responsible for,” Walsh said.

Officers have been instructed to drive past the mosques whenever they are nearby and consider shining a spotlight or getting out to inspect when possible.

Christy Nicolaisen, director of the Multi-Cultural Center in Sioux Falls, said emotions are running high, and that given the current national dialogue surrounding the Muslim community, the added patrols are a good idea.

“Anything that helps us keep the peace and bring peace is good for the community,” Nicolaisen said.