Letter threatens Indy Muslims with Trump 'cleanse'

An Indianapolis mosque received a letter threatening Muslims that President-elect Donald Trump will "cleanse America," the Islamic Society of North America said Tuesday.

"He's going to do to you Muslims what Hitler did to the Jews," the letter said, according to a photograph provided by ISNA. "You Muslims would be wise to pack your bags and get out of Dodge."

The letter was sent to the Masjid Al-Fajr Islamic Center of Greater Indianapolis on Cold Spring Road, near Marian University. ISNA said it was received by the MTI School of Knowledge, which is on the same campus.

The mosque did not immediately return a call for comment.

Similar letters have been sent this week to at least 10 Islamic centers across the country, according to The Washington Post.

The letter calls Muslims "the children of Satan" and claims they "worship the devil." Muslims believe in and worship God — Allah, in Arabic — and they believe Muhammad is the Holy Prophet, the last prophet of God.

Because of the rise of radical Islam and extremist groups such as ISIS, Trump during his campaign at times called for a ban on Muslims in the U.S. or suggested the country keep a "registry" of Muslims. Vice President-elect and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence unsuccessfully tried last year to stop Syrian refugees from resettling in Indiana, citing concerns that screening processes were insufficient and could allow terrorists to slip into the state undetected.

"This is a great time for patriotic Americans," the letter said. "Long live President Trump and God bless the USA."

It is signed "Americans for a Better Way," and the envelope lists a return address in West Lafayette. It is postmarked from Los Angeles.

Hate crimes against Muslims spiked last year, according to the FBI. Since the presidential election, a number of hate crimes — including vandalism of churches in Indiana — have targeted minority groups.

Trump has said people perpetrating harassment and hatred should "stop it."

Call IndyStar reporter Stephanie Wang at (317) 444-6184. Follow her on Twitter: @stephaniewang.

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