Muslim community concerned about possible backlash at local...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Backlash over the Paris attacks has members at a Charlotte mosque worried they may be targeted.

It comes after Charlotte-Mecklenburg police were contacted about an incident at the mosque Tuesday night in Southeast Charlotte.

Lindsey Faraj drove from Columbia to donate household items and toys to a family of Syrian refugees resettling in Charlotte. As she unloaded her van she learned someone had their window busted out in the parking lot of the Muslim American Society's community center the night before.

"To be honest with you I'm not necessarily surprised. These things unfortunately do occuroftentimes after like what's happened in France,” Faraj said.

Shattered glass still covers the spot where a victim told police someone may have shot out their car window. Police said so far there is no evidence a firearm was used but investigators are still looking into how and why it happened at the center.

"I don't feel like it could be an accident," said Michael Blake.

Some of the people who pray at the center worry they were targeted.

"Being a Muslim today in today's society is kind of hard," Blake added.

Faraj worries the backlash will impact innocent Muslims and make others turn their backs on families in need.

"I do get the concern absolutely, 100 percent, but I can hardly sleep at night imagining 4 million Syrian refugees who have nothing to do with this,” Faraj said.

She said now is the time to hold interfaith discussions instead of fueling hate.

Gunshot shatters vehicle window at mosque

By Trish Williford

Lamont Huggins owns a Toyota Camry that was vandalized last night in the parking lot of a Charlotte mosque.

Huggins said he and a friend had just finished prayer service at the Muslim American Society's community center and was walking towards his car when he heard a loud noise.

"I was within 50 or 60 feet from the car and I heard a big ole pop somewhere. I basically took cover by a tree. I said to my friend, 'Did you hear that?'" said Huggins.

Huggins said there's no doubt in his mind someone fired a gunshot that shattered his window.

"I peeped through driver's part of the window and I (saw) there was a bullet hole," he said.

So far, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have not confirmed this crime was the result of gunfire.

But still, members of Charlotte's Muslim community are remaining vigilant.

They said they can't be sure this incident isn't in retaliation for the deadly terror attacks in Paris.

"Is it ironic that this took place right after that? It's still an ongoing investigation," said Mo Idlibby, trial attorney.

Huggins said while police continue their investigation, he will remain alert and aware of his surroundings.