Imam speaks out after alleged threats against Islamic Center of Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The leader of the Islamic Center of Wilmington is speaking out after a man was captured on surveillance video allegedly threatening the mosque last Sunday, an incident that remains under investigation by the FBI.

The incident occurred on July 12, when security camera footage showed a man pulling on the mosque’s front door and allegedly threatening to tear down the building.

“Jesus about to tear this *expletive* down,” shouted the man as he walked away. He could also be seen recording himself and the building as he walked up to the door.

Safwan Salman, the Islamic Center’s imam and director, said the FBI contacted him later that night to warn him of a potential threat against the mosque. After reviewing the surveillance footage, he became concerned for the safety of the congregation.

“I’m upset because my people, my community is under danger and I’m worried,” Salman said. “Is this gonna actually escalate to a higher level? Are we gonna be expecting another San Diego? Are we gonna be expecting anything that’s more dangerous than what happened.”

According to court documents, a New Hanover County judge granted a permanent no-contact civil order on July 17 against Eric Green following a petition filed by the Islamic Center.

The court records also state that Green’s location was known to both the FBI and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office after the incident.

While Salman said he questions why no arrest has been made, he also expressed sympathy for the man accused of making the threats.

“Emotionally I was upset but also sad for him because he’s mad about something that I know for a fact he’s wrong about,” Salman said.

Rather than allowing the incident to deepen divisions, Salman said he hopes those who harbor negative feelings toward Muslims will choose conversation over confrontation.

“If somebody ever has any kind of hate towards us, like this, instead of carrying any hateful actions, they may come to a dialogue with us to figure what it is that they are hating,” he said.

Despite the incident, Salmon said the Islamic Center will continue serving the community and will not allow the threats to disrupt its mission. As a precaution, however, the mosque has added additional security measures while the FBI’s investigation continues.