Male with knives in pockets arrested outside Lakeville mosque after disturbance
A male is in custody after a disturbance outside a mosque in Lakeville, Minnesota, on Friday, according to police. Officials said officers found two knives in his pockets while arresting him.
The officers responded to the incident at Lakeville Masjid at 8670 210th St. W. shortly before 12 p.m. The individual who called emergency personnel about the male, whose age has yet to be disclosed by officials, reported he was agitated and asking strange questions, police said.
Staff at the place of worship requested that, due to his behavior, the officers ask the male to leave the property, according to officials.
Police said the male, while being questioned by law enforcement, made statements saying he was a military officer, and later a federal agent, who was investigating child trafficking-related crimes. He wasn't able to provide any proof or documentation to support his claims, according to officials.
The officers found a pocketknife, a box knife and "suspected illicit narcotics" in the male's pockets while they took him into custody, police said. He was taken to the Dakota County Jail amid consideration for charges.
"There were never any reports that the sharp instruments were displayed during the incident, and we do not have any information that the male was ever inside the building," said the Lakeville Police Department in a news release. "The male, known to police from prior mental health-related contacts, lives in the area."
The city agency added that it "has not received any information to suggest" the male targeted the mosque for religious purposes.
Faith leaders and local groups gathered outside the place of worship after the incident to deliver a message of unity.
"They seemed to have some sort of other motive in mind," said Sandi Putlack, Indivisible LEFT member and local resident. "It got to be a little uncomfortable, and as a result of that, it was decided that perhaps we should get law enforcement involved."
Members of the Indivisible LEFT, a grass-roots group based in Lakeville, Elko and Farmington, were there to assist mosque members.
Putlack and other members of the group have been watching over areas of interest during Operation Metro Surge, but have slowly pulled back from watching over sites like the mosque. However, after three people were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, members began watching over it again.
"While we are grateful that this situation ended without injuries, [it] doesn't mean there is no impact on our community," said Huzaifa Ahmed, imam of the Lakeville mosque.
The incident prompted concern among community members and faith leaders.
"Every American should have the right to practice their faith without fear. Whether it's a mosque, a church, synagogue or temple," said Ahmed.
"It is an unfortunate thing that Muslim Minnesotans are not blessed with the same level of respect and dignity that the man who decided to come here armed has," said Minister JaNae Batesimari, co-executive director of ISAIAH.
Leaders say that the incident was a moment to come together, to respond with solidarity against hate.
"We will not allow hate to divide our community. We will continue to stand together to defend one's rights to worship, gather and live safely. Our response to hate is solidarity," said Jawad Islam, organizer for ISAIAH.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything.
In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.
