A mosque in Providence has received an anti-Islamic letter similar to letters received by other mosques around the country. The letter directly references the election of Donald Trump.

A series of apparently identical letters have been reported by mosques in Florida, California and at least two other states. This letter was sent to Masjid Al-Kareem, on Providence’s South Side.A local news report in Stockton, California shows an apparently identical letter received by a mosque there.

Like the other letters, the note was addressed to “Children of Satan,” according to a statement from the Massachusetts Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic relations. The group says the letter calls Muslims “vile and filthy” and warns them to leave the country. The letter also claims President-elect Donald Trump will remove Muslims and “cleanse America.”

Providence police say they are stepping up patrols around Masjid Al-Kareem in response to the report. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has called for increased protection for all local mosques following the discovery of the letter.

Reporter John Bender was the general assignment reporter for The Public's Radio for several years. He is now a fill-in host when our regular hosts are out.