Muslim community condemns shootings

FORT HOOD, Texas (KXAN) - The local Muslim community is condemning the Fort Hood shootings.

Since the tragedy, they've received threatening phone calls as well as calls acknowledging they were the actions of one man. Local Muslims said the shootings go against Islam.

Sunday afternoon at the North Austin Muslim Community Center, local Muslims learned lessons of peace, patience and perseverance. Their prayers were also for the victims of the Fort Hood shootings.

Islam Mossaad, the Imam of North Austin Muslim Community Center, said the Muslim community hurts for the soldiers and their grieving families.

"Our thoughts, prayers and our condolences are with them," said Mossaad. "I think the Muslim community is also searching for answers about motive and whether you can generalize and also jump to conclusions."

Listening to Sunday's sermon, 2nd Lt. Rafael Lantigua, who has served in the military for 15-years so far, is also Muslim.

A week ago, he was at Fort Hood, briefing soldiers deploying to Iraq about the history of Iraq and Muslim culture.

"Having done that, and then four or five days later, to have this happen, I did feel this heaviness," said Lantigua.

Lt. Lantigua has served in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq.

"We have Muslims who were buried at Arlington National Cemetery, who have risked their lives and died in the line of duty," said Lt. Lantigua. "We must not forget that."

He hopes to educate his fellow soldiers about his Muslim faith as he bravely serves his country in the Army National Guard.