Mesquite man arrested after bringing firearm into Richardson mosque

by Kendria Brown of North Dallas Gazette

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The man said he was carrying the gun for protection.

RICHARDSON — A 54-year-old Mahamoud El-Busaidy was arrested for bringing a handgun in a Richardson mosque last week. While entering the Islamic Association of North Texas located in the 800 block of Abrams Road, he was spotted wearing a gun on his belt. Police were subsequently called to the scene and confronted the man.

Concealed hanguns are illegal in the public places of worship, government offices and schools.

Earlier that week, there was a massacre occurring in a Wisconsin Sikh temple that left 6 people victimized.

The sergeant responding, Kevin Perlich, said, “In light of all the stuff that has taken place, they gave us a call,” speaking of the onlooker who noticed the gun on the man.

The place of worship is supposed to be sacred and even safe, and the discovery of the handgun on El-Busaidy did not sit well at all with the mosque-goers. Though El-Busaidy been to the mosque before and did not threaten anyone, members felt violated.

When asked why he had the gun, El-Busaidy cited it was for his protection while attending the mosque.

He is not sure if he will attend the Richardson mosque again, but he may think twice about bringing a gun to worship services in the future to avoid further arrest, he said.

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