Masjid Bilal ISGH, a mosque located in Houston, has come under scrutiny after reportedly advising its members not to communicate directly with the FBI following the New Orleans terrorist attack.
The mosque, allegedly attended by Shamsud-Din Jabbar—the suspect in the attack—directed its congregation to refer law enforcement inquiries to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) or the Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH).
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran discharged from the Army Reserve in 2020 with the rank of staff sergeant, converted to Islam several years ago. According to family members, Jabbar’s behavior became increasingly erratic in the months leading up to the attack.
Dwayne Marsh, who is married to Jabbar’s ex-wife, detailed how Jabbar’s behavior had raised concerns. Marsh described Jabbar’s actions as bizarre, citing drastic changes in his appearance, such as cutting his hair in extreme styles, and other unpredictable behaviors that led the family to restrict his access to his daughters.
Jabbar had moved into a predominantly Muslim neighborhood in north Houston approximately a year before the attack. The FBI has since focused on this area as part of its investigation into Jabbar’s connections and possible accomplices.
In the aftermath of the New Orleans tragedy, the FBI visited Masjid Bilal ISGH to gather information on Jabbar and any potential ties he may have had within the community.
However, the mosque’s leadership issued a controversial statement instructing members to avoid speaking to law enforcement directly.
In a Facebook post, Masjid Bilal ISGH urged its congregation to redirect any FBI inquiries to CAIR or ISGH. The message, signed by the mosque’s management, emphasized community safety while calling for unity and vigilance.
The post read:
Alaikum Brothers and Sisters,
I’m sure many of you have heard about the tragic events that took place in New Orleans this morning that are now being classified as an “act of terror” by the FBI.
I want to emphasize the importance of everyone to stay very vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
The safety of our community is the most important thing.
If anyone is contacted by the media, it is very important that you do not respond. If approached by the FBI and a response is necessary, please refer to CAIR and ISGH.
It is crucial that we stay united at this time as we condemn these terrible acts. Please stay safe.
JazakAllahu Khairun,
Masjid Bilal Management
The statement has sparked criticism, with many accusing the mosque of attempting to obstruct justice. Opponents argue that such guidance undermines efforts to ensure public safety and accountability in the wake of a deadly terrorist act.
The FBI continues to investigate Jabbar’s actions and potential motives in the New Orleans attack, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. Authorities are also probing possible connections Jabbar may have had to extremist groups or individuals.
Jabbar, described by neighbors as relatively reserved, moved into the community quietly, but his activities in the months before the attack have drawn intense scrutiny.
Law enforcement officials are now working to determine whether he acted alone or had accomplices, and they have expressed concern over his ties to Masjid Bilal ISGH and other local organizations.
Masjid Bilal ISGH’s statement has divided opinions within Houston’s Muslim community. While some members appreciate the emphasis on community unity and safety, others worry that the message could be interpreted as an attempt to shield the mosque from scrutiny during an active terrorism investigation.
Legal experts note that while it is within the rights of any organization to advise its members to seek legal counsel before engaging with law enforcement, such guidance in the context of a high-profile terrorism case may raise questions about transparency and cooperation.