MAJLIS ASH-SHURA: ISLAMIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL OF NEW YORK CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION PLOT AGAINST NERDEEN KISWANI, COMMENDS NYPD AND FBI FOR SWIFT ACTION

NEW YORK, NY — Majlis Ash-Shura: Islamic Leadership Council of New York today issued the following statement condemning the alleged plot to assassinate Nerdeen Kiswani, co-founder of Within Our Lifetime.

According to a federal criminal complaint, Alexander Heifler was arrested late Thursday after an undercover operation revealed he had assembled incendiary devices and planned to firebomb Ms. Kiswani’s New York City home. An NYPD undercover officer broke the case open after identifying the suspect online, infiltrating a group chat, and personally witnessing the assembly of the weapons — preventing an imminent act of murder.

Majlis Ash-Shura condemns this plot in the strongest possible terms. There is no cause, grievance, or ideology that justifies the targeting of any individual for assassination. Political violence is an affront to our democracy, our shared values, and our faith.

We extend our deepest commendation to the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force for their professionalism, vigilance, and life-saving intervention. This is law enforcement at its finest.

We extend our prayers and solidarity to Ms. Kiswani and her family. Every human life is sacred — “whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all of mankind” (Qur’an 5:32).

Majlis Ash-Shura calls upon all faith communities, civic leaders, and elected officials to unequivocally reject violence and intimidation in all its forms. We remain steadfast in our commitment to a New York where every community can speak, organize, and live without fear.

Majlis Ash-Shura: Islamic Leadership Council of New York is the representative body of Muslim leadership across the greater New York metropolitan area, serving as a unified voice on issues of faith, justice, and community welfare.

CONTACT: Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan EMAIL: abdulaziz.bhuiyan@shuranewyork.org