Bridgeview mosque on alert after online threats

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (WLS) -- Mosques, Islamic schools and Muslim organizations in the Chicago area are on high alert after threats were made on social media.

The person who initiated the comments on Facebook wrote he wanted to put local Muslims "in check. . . I'd like to start with that mosque down the street."

Police said the post was made 2.5 miles from the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview. Local and federal authorities launched an investigation immediately. Leaders of the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview held a meeting Thursday night to talk about ways to protect the campus, which includes the mosque, a community center, a youth center and three schools.

Those who pray at the mosque are disappointed threats were made, since Muslims in the area have enjoyed a healthy relationship with the surrounding community.

"What's happened in France is against our religion and against our Islamic teaching. We are a very peaceful people. We know killing is not an answer for any anger or any reason," Majed Shaqildi said.

Oussama Jammal, vice president of the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview, showed ABC7 Eyewitness News a screen grab of the conversation, which has since been taken down from Facebook.

"Obviously, this would be a first time to see something that is serious in its nature to be directed at the community here. But we are confident nothing will happen and we hope and we pray for this," Jammal said.

Jammal said mosque leaders are cooperating with federal authorities. The FBI has not commented on the investigation. No arrests have been made.