White Nationalism Leaves FBI, Police, Religious Leaders Tightening Security In Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC — We are learning more about security measures local mosques and places of worship are taking in response to the resurgence of white nationalist violence.

As white supremacists crawl out of the shadows, you’ll notice layers of security going up around Charlotte.

“Maybe this preparation will save a life or two,” said Naqash Choudhery.
Choudhery helps lead one of the oldest mosques in the city, The Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte.

“No one is taking this lightly,” said Choudhery.

WCCB Charlotte asked Former Assistant Director of the FBI, Chris Swecker, the threat level of white nationalists here.

“We saw the right wing groups sort of go underground after 9/11. We haven’t heard a lot from them,” said Swecker.

The FBI is investigating about 900 domestic terror threats.

Alt-right terror attacks in the U.S. quadrupled between 2016 and 2017, according to The Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Swecker says you can help by reporting people who talk about committing violence for white power.

“They’re going to be flashing red, the comments are. They will not hide their ideology. They are proud of the ideology. They’re trying to get recruits. It’s not at all subtle,” said Swecker.

Still, some were afraid to attend Sunday’s vigil in Uptown to honor victims of the latest attack.

“You saw police cars rolling around, you saw police officers on motorcycles rolling around, and we went afterwards and we thanked them,” Choudhery.

He says mosques across the city are signing up for active shooter training classes through CMPD this week.

Leaders are discussing hiring a company to detect security weak spots and whether to add off duty police officers 24/7.

“We want to get it implemented as soon as possible so people are used to it,” said Choudhery.

Right now, off duty officers attend major prayer times, and the FBI monitors any threats.

Swecker says in addition to guards and gates, worship spots need to practice shooter drills. He says they need a protocol that includes experts like law enforcement and mental health analysts.