Northeast Houston Mosque Honors Law Enforcement at Its First Appreciation Day

A northeast Houston mosque brought law enforcement, elected officials and community members together on Sunday to show appreciation and encourage stronger relationships between officers and the people they serve, FOX 26 Houston reported. Masjid At-Tawhid hosted its first Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at its community service center on Hirsch Road, honoring Houston Police Assistant Chief Yasar Bashir, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan.

Imam Qasim Ibn Ali Khan said the idea grew out of his appreciation for Harris County sheriff's deputies who provided additional patrols around the mosque. Following events nationally and internationally, Khan said, he learned Gonzalez had directed deputies to keep a special eye on the mosque - deputies watched the gate and checked on the congregation's safety - and he also described an ongoing positive working relationship with the Houston Police Department.

Khan said he does not believe an entire institution or agency should be stigmatized by the actions of a few people, and he hopes gatherings like Sunday's can help bridge gaps between law enforcement and communities. According to Khan, more than 200 people participated virtually, and the event reached people from seven counties.

State Rep. Harold Dutton, who represents District 142, delivered the keynote address and spoke about what he described as too much division, and Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, drawing on his own experience as a Houston police officer and Harris County sheriff, discussed the importance of service and building relationships with residents. Khan, who addressed Houston City Council several weeks before the event to invite members, hopes other faith leaders will organize similar gatherings and that the appreciation day becomes an annual tradition.