The FBI is warning local law enforcement agencies that various controversies involving the American Muslim community could lead to hate crimes against Muslims and encourage extremist rhetoric or actions against the United States.

 

In an advisory Tuesday, the FBI warns law enforcement groups to be on the watch for violence that may be sparked by such controversies -- including the planned burning of Qurans by a Gainesville, Fla., church on the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks; and the proposed building of Islamic centers or mosques in California and Tennessee, as well as a similar project near ground zero in New York.

 

However, the intelligence bulletin says the FBI "currently has no specific credible information that international terrorist organizations are planning action against the United States because of these events."

 

The FBI bulletin says the fallout from the church's plan to burn the Muslim holy book and the proposed building of Islamic centers and mosques "could include hindering outreach and engagement efforts with Muslim communities across the country, generating hate crimes against Muslims, or even be used as propaganda tools by extremists."