Photos Beaver County Police\YouTube Screenshots
(PITTSBURGH, PA, 8/29/2026) – The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the suspected attempted hate attack targeting the predominantly African-American Greater Dominion Church in Ambridge, Pa. The swift response by law enforcement is commendable and underscores the urgency of addressing hate-fueled threats.
On Sunday, an armed individual reportedly attempted to enter the Greater Dominion Church in Ambridge while brandishing a long gun. The assailant (Jeffrey Harris, 38, shown above) pointed the weapon at two women and raised concerns about a potential hate crime due to the church’s predominantly African-American congregation. Law enforcement intervened promptly and apprehended the suspect without further incident.
In a statement, CAIR Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed said:
“The attempted entry into the Greater Dominion Church with a weapon is a deeply troubling act that strikes at the heart of our shared values of safety, tolerance, and respect. We commend law enforcement’s quick and effective response, which prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome. This incident serves as a stark reminder that hate and bigotry continue to threaten our communities. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we stand united against all forms of hatred and violence.”
She said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
