Support pours in for Pike County Islamic Center after shooting

While the police investigation of the shooting at the Pike County Islamic Center in Westfall Township continues, state and local leaders are condemning the Feb. 22 incident.

No one was injured when multiple shots were fired at the facility, which was unoccupied at the time. The mosque, at 115 Mountain Ave., Matamoras, was attacked on the fifth day of Ramadan, an important time of fasting, prayer and reflection within the Islamic community worldwide.

The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said that the shots were fired early Sunday, “about two hours after the completion of special Ramadan taraweeh prayers.” CAIR stated that “shots were reportedly fired into the mosque building. Mosque leaders say four bullets hitting the building.”

The Pike County commissioners said in a statement issued Feb. 26 that they “unequivocally condemn the shooting” and stand by the right of freedom of worship guaranteed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Pike County Islamic Center opened in 2025.

The Eastern Pike Regional Police Department is conducting the investigation. Pennsylvania State Police assisted.

CAIR is calling for a hate crime investigation and has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the shooting.

The CAIR statement includes a comment from Mohammed Alhomsi, a spokesperson for the Pike County Islamic Center.

“Our congregation is shaken but steadfast,” Alhomsi said. “We appreciate the professionalism shown by our elected leaders as well as by local and state law enforcement during this difficult time. We call on anyone with information about this incident to come forward. Our community deserves safety, transparency and justice.”

“This act of violence targeting a house of worship is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” said Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR-Philadelphia. “Mosques, like all houses of worship, are sacred spaces meant for peace, prayer, and community. We urge local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and determine whether this attack was motivated by hate. We are grateful for the swift outreach and responsiveness of local and state police, and we stand ready to assist in any way necessary.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the mosque the evening of Feb. 25.

“The holy month of Ramadan is a time of reflection, community, and light,” Shapiro said in a statement posted on social media by his office. “As I met with local leaders and worshippers for Iftar tonight, I saw that light firsthand, despite the darkness they experienced just three days ago. To our Muslim neighbors all across Pennsylvania: I’ve got your back. And you will always have a home here in our Commonwealth.”

A statement from the board of directors of Delaware Valley Action said, “We at DVA believe that Pike County is and should continue to be a place where all are welcome and free to express their religious beliefs in their chosen place of worship, safely and without fear of harm or intimidation.”

DVA also visited the Pike County Islamic Center when the governor was there. Gretchen Pollack, DVA board member, said about 65 people came representing DVA to show their support. “The congregation was so warm, welcoming and appreciative,” she said. “We expected just to stand quietly outside but we were invited in and were there for their prayers, Governor Shapiro’s visit and a wonderful meal.”

The commissioners asked that anyone with information on the shooting to contact the Eastern Pike Regional Police Department at 570-491-4040, or email [email protected].