The attack on the Islamic Center is an unfortunate act of hate.  As Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”  If people are willing to hate religion, they are willing to hate race, cultures, and all those that may even appear different.

As a councilman and a friend of the community, I consider this a deplorable act, and any form of attack against religions or faiths are never acceptable.  Love can overcome and is much more powerful than hate.  This community is significantly greater than a few people that act out in hateful behavior and make unwarranted comments.

Knowing our community members and being raised in Fort Collins, I am certain that our citizens are appalled, apologetic, and regretful that this incident occurred.  The advantage is that we, as a community, will pull together to bring resolve.  I look forward to supporting solutions beyond a conversation.

Influence and acceptance doesn’t come from what we know, but it is derived from what we need to continuously learn. We will continue to grow together with a spirit of care, inspiration, and courage. I’m not always moved by what I see, but by what are in the hearts and minds of people. There are many people in our great City that have an ear to hear the hearts of the people. We have the ability to overcome, and we will.

See Coloradoan story.