Chemical Irritant Empties Islamic Society of Greater Dayton's Mosque
http://www.truthout.org/092908F
Dayton, Ohio - Baboucarr Njie was preparing for his prayer session
Friday night, Sept. 26, when he heard children in the Islamic Society
of Greater Dayton coughing. Soon, Njie himself was overcome with fits
of coughing and, like the rest of those in the building, headed for
the doors.
"I would stay outside for a minute, then go back in, there were a
lot of kids," Njie said. "My throat is still itchy, I need to get some
milk."
Njie was one of several affected when a suspected chemical
irritant was sprayed into the mosque at 26 Josie St., bringing Dayton
police, fire and hazardous material personnel to the building at 9:48
p.m.
Someone "sprayed an irritant into the mosque," Dayton fire
District Chief Vince Wiley said, noting that fire investigators
believe it was a hand-held spray can.
According to fire dispatch communications, a child reported seeing
two men with a white can spraying something into a window. That child
was brought to the supervising firefighter at the scene.
Wiley would not discuss that report, but said the investigation
has been turned over to police. Police were not commenting.
The 300 or so inside were celebrating the last 10 days of Ramadan
with dinner and a prayer session, but the prayer session was
interrupted so those suffering from tearing, coughing and shortness of
breath could receive treatment.
Wiley said an adult and juvenile were taken to area hospitals and
others had their eyes or faces washed on the scene. He did not know
how many people were treated at the scene.
Ismail Gula, ISGD secretary, said people were praying during the
weekly service when some in the audience began to cough and experience
breathing troubles, then left the building. Once outside, several of
them called 911, Gula said.
Tarek Sabagh, a member of the ISGD board, wasn't present when the
incident occurred.
He said his daughter called and told him to stay away because of
the possibility of remaining fumes. Sabagh arrived shortly after and
watched from the mosque's steps as members were allowed back inside
about 11 p.m. to collect belongings.
"It's very disturbing," Sabagh said. "Something like this has
never happened before."
Sabagh said members moved to a Beavercreek school to finish their
prayer session as police continued to investigate.
"I don't know if people will have the feeling of trust to come
back tomorrow or next week or next month," Sabagh said. "I don't know
how people will feel."
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. During the
month, Muslims fast (do not eat) from sunrise to sunset. In the
evening and in the morning before the sun comes up, they eat small
meals. During this month, they take extra time for family, inner
reflection, and spiritual growth.
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