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We Can't Lose Site Of 'Big Picture' Says Former Islamic Council Chair About Foiled Attack Plot

Parvez Ahmed is a professor of finance at UNF and former chair of the Council on American Islamic Relations.
Kevin Meerschaert
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WJCT News
Parvez Ahmed is a professor of finance at UNF and former chair of the Council on American Islamic Relations.

A prominent member of the Jacksonville community, who is the former chair of the Council on American Islamic Relations, is speaking out about an alleged plot to attack the The Islamic Center of North East Florida.

Parvez Ahmed is a professor of finance at UNF and former chair of the Council on American Islamic Relations.
Credit Kevin Meerschaert / WJCT News
/
WJCT News
Parvez Ahmed is a professor of finance at UNF and former chair of the Council on American Islamic Relations.

69-year-old Bernadino Bolatete is under arrest after police say he plotted to carry out a mass shooting at the local Islamic Center.

The East Arlington man reportedly told an undercover officer he hated Muslims- and the conversation was secretly recorded.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office coordinated the investigation with both the FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Parvez Ahmed is a professor of finance at UNF and former chair of the Council on American Islamic Relations.

“We are certainly grateful to local law enforcement for their quick action," said Parvez Ahmed, a professor of finance at UNF and former chair of the Council on American Islamic Relations.

"Who knows how terrible the fallout might have been if he had been able to go through with it. But at the same time, we cannot lose sight of the big picture. Hate crimes are on the rise,” said Ahmed.

Meanwhile, Bolatete faces multiple charges in the case.

Listen to Ahmed's full interview on Tuesday's First Coast Connect podcast:

The Islamic Center of North East Florida in Jacksonville.
Credit News4Jax
The Islamic Center of North East Florida in Jacksonville.

Melissa Ross can be reached at mross@wjct.org and on Twitter @melissainjax.

Copyright 2020 WJCT 89.9 FM Jacksonville. To see more, visit .

Melissa Ross joined WJCT in 2009 with 20 years of experience in broadcasting, including stints in Cincinnati, Chicago, Orlando and Jacksonville. During her career as a television and radio news anchor and reporter, Melissa has won four regional Emmys for news and feature reporting.