Seattle police increase presence around local mosques after Quebec shooting

SEATTLE — In the wake of the attack on a mosque in Quebec City that left six people dead, Seattle police are stepping up patrols in and around area mosques.

At the Idriss Mosque in Northgate prayer proceeded as normal.

But worshipers were surrounded by flowers and other well wishes from the community.

Mosque leader Hisham Farajallah said the impressive display of local support came within 24-hours of the attack in Canada.

As for the extra police protection: “There is nothing specific,” Farajallah said.

“But it is a precaution step which the police decide and we must take it seriously.”

It was also not lost on the Muslim congregation that all the community outreach came in the wake of President Donald Trump's executive action on immigration, which is seen by some as a ban on Muslims.

“It's really wonderful,” said one man who showed up Monday night to pray.

“We've been seeing a lot of support,”

Mosque leaders attribute the outpouring of support to an open door policy that includes monthly neighborhood gatherings, local food and clothing drives, and a big outdoor barbecue once a year.

Cox Media Group