An Islamic leader and two others in Lexington, Kentucky have been arrested and charged in a murder-for-hire plot. Islamic Center of Lexington leader Mahmoud Shalash, John Sadiqullah and Abdul Hadi are charged in federal court with use of interstate facilities in commission for murder for hire and conspiracy.
The Islamic Center of Lexington posted a statement to its website that reads, "Muslims in Lexington are shocked to learn the news about the arrest of Imam Mahmoud Shalash. The situation is unfolding and we do not have enough details at this time. Also, we believe that every American citizen is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law." The statement added: "We would like to emphasize that Islam is a religion built on peace and tolerance. Murder or hiring for murder is regarded in the Quran as a grave sin."
Attorneys for the three men did not respond to emails requesting comment on Sunday.
