By Kendria Brown, NDG Intern
A 54-year-old Mahamoud El-Busaidy was arrested for bringing a handgun in a Richardson mosque last week. While entering the Islamic Association of North Texas located in the 800 block of Abrams Road, he was spotted wearing a gun on his belt. Police were subsequently called to the scene and confronted the man.
Earlier that week there was a massacre occurring in a Wisconsin Sikh temple that left 6 people victimized.
The sergeant responding, Kevin Perlich, stated, “In light of all the stuff that has taken place, they gave us a call,” speaking of the onlooker who noticed the gun on the man.
Where the place of worship is supposed to be sacred and even safe, the discovery of the handgun on El-Busaidy did not sit well at all with the mosque goers. Although El-Busaidy been to the mosque before and did not threaten anyone, members felt violated.
When asked about why he had the gun, El-Busaidy cited it was for his protection while attending the mosque.
Not sure if he will attend the Richardson mosque again, but he may think twice about bringing a gun to worship services in the future to avoid further arrest.
In a crazy world, places of worship provide security for many; but after this breach, members may feel a bit uneasy.
Concealed hanguns are illegal in the public places of worship, government offices and schools
“Concealed hanguns are illegal in the public places of worship, government offices and schools”
This is factually incorrect. Since 1999 the licensed carry of a concealed handgun is permissible in a church UNLESS that church has posted appropriate 30.06 signage.
Unless this guy was carrying without a license or the mosque had regulation signage, it was not illegal.
http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/texas.pdf
Thank you for the clarification.