Man threatened to shoot up San Antonio mosque, police say

Authorities said a man vowed to shoot up a San Antonio mosque and then turn the gun on himself, but law enforcement foiled the violent plot before it ever materialized.

Worshippers prayed Tuesday night at the Islamic Academy of San Antonio amid an atmosphere of concern. "Very bad news for us," said Solomon Hamideh, president of the Islamic Academy of San Antonio.

According to an affidavit, Christopher Bane "had intentions of going to a mosque in the Medical Center area and was going to shoot as many people" as he could, and then shoot himself. A witness, who police are not identifying for safety concerns, said Bane told him he had a .45 caliber handgun and ammunition.

"We took it seriously. You know, this is a real big problem," said Hamideh.

Officers also took the threats quite seriously. They notified all three mosques in the city. Some even pinned Bane's picture on the wall. "We have done everything possible to make sure we are safe," said the president of the mosque.

It wasn't long before police arrested Bane. He's charged with making terroristic threats.

Hamideh said it brought a sense of relief to the largest mosque in San Antonio but said there are poeple out there who have warped perceptions about the Islamic faith.

KHOU, 28 November 2012

See also KSAT, 28 November 2012

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