Shot mosque leader 'was no extremist'

A mosque dismissed as “utterly preposterous” FBI claims that its leader was part of a radical Islamic group.

Luqman Ameen Abdullah, the imam or prayer leader of Masjid Al-Haqq mosque in Detroit, Michigan, was a “recognised and respected member of numerous mainstream Muslim organisations and leadership bodies”, the mosque said.

Abdullah, 53, was shot dead on Wednesday as FBI agents tried to arrest him on several charges, including conspiracy to sell stolen goods.

The FBI said he resisted arrest inside a warehouse and fired a gun.

A criminal complaint filed by the US government describes Abdullah as a leader of a national radical Sunni group that wants to create an Islamic state within the US The FBI said he had extreme anti-government views and encouraged followers to commit violence.

No terrorism-related charges were brought against any of the 11 people charged over the complaint, including Abdullah.

“The slanderous allegations of his being a national leader of a radical Islamic sect is utterly preposterous. These allegations are contrary to what we as a community stand for,” the mosque said.

The statement was read by an assistant prayer leader, Mikail Stewart Sandiq as many members milled outside the mosque after Friday prayers yesterday. He declined to answer questions.

Abdullah’s son, Omar Regan, 34, of Los Angeles, said he helped prepare the body for a funeral today. He said his father was shot multiple times and called the killing “barbaric”.

“What’s done is done,” Mr Regan said. “He knew he was wronged. If God calls you home, you can’t help but answer.”