JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Faith leaders from across Jacksonville came together to talk about a tough topic – hate crimes.
There were three main points at a workshop at the downtown library Monday - identifying hate crimes, knowing what to do in an emergency and money available to build up prevention strategies.
For an Imam who was there, that’s exactly the type of conversation he feels its necessary to have in today’s world.
“The hate and negativity is increasing," said Imam Bilal Malik. "We need such educational programs more and more.”
Malik says he vividly remembers a time in 2017 when he feared the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida would be the target of a hate crime.
They learned of an active shooter threat.
“We were fortunate the FBI caught him before," said Malik.
Since then, he says the Islamic Center has welcomed the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and the FBI on multiple occasions to help create a plan for responding to an active shooter.
To get those same tips to faith leaders across the city, leaders from the FBI, JSO and Homeland Security held a workshop to share resources available to them.
“When the justice department reached out with this program that would bring all these members of the community together including all of our faith leaders, I thought what a fantastic way to give people that feeling of comfort, that we want everyone to have, especially when they’re in their places of worship," said Mayor Donna Deegan after giving the opening remarks at the workshop.
An assistant U.S. attorney used examples of hate crimes they’ve prosecuted in the past to drive home one key reminder.
“It might be a one off voicemail, or several or something else. It’s so important to retain that and let law enforcement know," said Ashley Washington.
A presenter from JSO mentioned they’ve had four calls for religious-based incidents since 2022.
“There could be more, but the reports never made it to us," said that officer. "I stress, if you’re concerned about anything, call us.”
Members from Homeland Security talked about the importance of deciding a response to an active shooter and the $50 million in grant money the department has that places of worship can apply for to help prevent and prepare for attacks.
“As much as you learn and educate more, that’s the weapon we need," said Malik.
There will be another workshop Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at the downtown library branch on Laura Street.
