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Islamic Leaders Concerned About Possible Backlash From Boston Bombings

DEARBORN (WWJ) -  While it's not yet clear the motive for the Boston Marathon attacks, local Islamic leaders are bracing for any possible backlash.

Daoud Walid of the Council for Arab Islamic Relations says there have been reported attacks in Boston and New York already that he believes are related to the bombing.

"We're reminded community leaders as well as well as our Islamic centers to be very wary of security at this time and to check all security measures and protocols," Walid said.

"There was an incident of assault both in Boston and well as in New York where just recently a Bangladeshi -American was assaulted and mistakenly called an Arab ... he was called an Arab during the assault. We believe this is a direct result of the Boston Marathon situation," he said.

Walid says there have been no reports of local incidents, but they've advised local mosques to step up security.

Walid will be part of a Muslim-Christian Interfaith service on Sunday at the corner of Main Street and Fourth in downtown Royal Oak.

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